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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


*: 


1.0 


I.I 


KA  Kii   |Z2 


^  as, 


11.25  il.4 


■f 


•     I 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WIST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  M5M 

(716)872-4503 


if-   ^' 


'\%j^ 

^4^ 

^o 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/iCIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microrepfoductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modificatior:  dans  la  methods  normale  de  fiimage 
sont  indiqu6s  ci-dessous. 


D 

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Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommag6e 


□    Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur^  et/ou  peiiiculAe 

[w|   Cover  title  missing/ 

LXJ   Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

I     I   Coloured  maps/ 


Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couleur 

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mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  film6es. 


n 

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Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagAes 

Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
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obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


D 


Additional  comments:/ 
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I 


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Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

S 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


PM::«2;I 


laira 
8  details 
quas  du 
It  modifiar 
cigar  una 
la  filmaga 


Tha  copy  ffilmad  hara  has  baan  raproducad  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

Library  of  Congrass 
Photodupiication  Servica 

Tha  imagas  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  considaring  tha  condition  and  iagibility 
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Library  of  Congress 
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da  la  nattatA  da  raxamplaira  film6,  at  an 
conformity  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 


Id/ 
IquAas 


Original  coplas  In  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmed 
beginning  with  tha  front  cover  and  ending  on 
tha  last  page  with  a  printad  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printad  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  --<►  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Les  exemplairas  originaux  dont  la  couverture  an 
papier  est  imprimie  sont  film6s  en  commenpant 
par  la  premier  plat  at  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
darnlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustratlon,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  les  autras  exemplairas 
originaux  sont  fllmfo  an  commengant  par  la 
premldre  page  qui  comporce  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  at  en  terminant  par 
la  darnidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
dernldre  image  da  cheque  microfiche,  selon  \& 
cas:  la  symboie  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbols  y  signifie  "FIN". 


f 
ntaire 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  Included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
baginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
fllmte  A  des  taux  da  reduction  diff6rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichd,  il  est  film6  A  partir 
da  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  an  bas,  an  prenant  le  nombre 
d'Imagas  n6cessaira.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrant  la  m6thode. 


9d  by  errata 
filmed  to 

ement 

:a,  une  pelure, 

je  fa^on  it 

bla. 


nx 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

32X 


WjMBWWWs., 


^-^  ^.•/^.' 


AN 


ACCOUNT 


OF  THE  FUNERAL  HOI^OURS  BESTOWED 


ON  TKB   REMAIK8  OF 


CAPT.  LAWRENCE  AND  LIEUT.  LUDLOW, 


WITH 


THE  EULOGY 


'      i 


J 


TROMOVMCBD  AT  SALEM,  ON  THE  OCCASION,  BT 

HON.  JOSEPH  STOBY. 

'  To  which  b  prefixed* 

AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  ENGAGEMENT  BETWEEN  THE  CHRSAPBAKE 

AND  SHANNOH,  WITH  DOCUMENTS  BBLATIVE  TO  THE  SAMB, 

AND  BIOGRAPHICAL  AND  POETICAL  NOTICES. 


••  A  nation's  tears  bedew  the  hero's  grave." 


BOSTOJ^: 

'PRINTBD  BT  JOSHUA  B2SX.CHER. 
1813. 


■*  It  'imJimamnmAu  i.*MMkj» 


\ 


•  ^ 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

The  plaudits  of  a  grateful  country*  bestowed  on  those 
heroes  who  have  nobly  devoted  their  lives  to  its  cause,  are 
never  awarded  in  vain.  Young  ambition  bv.ms  in  a  thousand 
bosoms,  and  produces  eager  strife  for  that  glory  which  lights 
on  the  brow  of  him  who  survives  the  deeds  of  **  gallant  dar- 
ing,"  or  which  shines  on  the  bier  of  the  victim  of  patriotism. 

On  the  proudest  page  of  American  history,  among  the 
acnievements  of  valour  by  \^  sons,  the  name  of  our  lamented 
Lawrence  will  be  conspicirously  recorded.  Although  the 
last  act  of  his  life  brought  misfortune  to  his  coiintry,  it  has 
entailed  no  dishonour ;  it  has  rather  shed  a  new  ray  of  glory 
on  our  already  brilliant  naval  character. 

To  collect,  from  the  local  publications  which  are  commonly 
disregarded  after  a  single  perusal,  what  relates  to  the  life  and 
death  of  such  a  man,  seems  to  be  peculiarly  proper  :X  a  time 
when  his  sacred  remains,  and  those  of  the  gallant  youth  his  sec« 
ond  in  command,  have  been  restored  to  their  native  country. 

Such  facts,  relative  to  the  capture  of  the  Chesapeake  as 
will  exhibit  a  full  history  of  the  action,  with  an  account  of  the 
honours  paid  to  the  illustrious  dead  in  the  enemy's  country 
and  our  own,  will  be  presented  in  this  pamphlet,  which  will 
also  contain  biographical  sketches,  and  some  poetical  effu- 
sions which  merit  preservation. 


BE  IT  REMEMBBUKD,  (hut  on  (he  twenly-eigbtli  day  of  Augait,  in  (he 
Ihirtjr-tighth  year  of  (lie  Imlependeiice  of  (he  United -Statei  of  Araeriea, 
Joshua  Belcher,  of  (he  mhI  district.  hKsdepotited  in  this  office  the  title  of 
a  hook,  the  right  wliei-eof  he  ulairat  a«  itropi'ietoi',  in  the  words  followingi  to 
wit  i  '*  An  Aeeount  of  ilie  funeral  honours  lieMowed  on  the  Kmains  of  Captain 
Lawrence  and  Lt  Ludluw,  with  the  EULOGY  pronounoed  at  Sal'.m,  on  the 
occasion,  by  the  Hon  Joseph  Story  ;  to  which  is  prefixed,  an  account  of  the 
engageinent  between  (he  Cheiapeakc  ond  Shannon,  with  doeumenU  relative  to 
the  same ;  and  BioQraphical  and  Poetical  notices." 

"A  J\ittion'a  lean  bedew  the  kero's  grive," 
In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Cojigrcta  of  tl:e  United  States,  inSitled,  '<  An 
Aet  for  the  encouragement  of  leaiiiiiig,  hy  aecuring  the  copies  of  maps,  ehnrts, 
and  books  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the  *imes  therein 
mentioned  ;"  and  also  to  an  aet  intilleil,  "  An  Act  supplementary  to  an  act, 
mtitled.  An  Act  for  the  encouragement  cf  lexmin^,  by  securing  the  copies  of 
maps,  charts,  ami  bonks,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies  during 
iho  tiroes  therein  mentioned :  and  extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of 
(!esisning,  engraving,  and  etching  histnri'ntl  and  other  prints." 

WILLIA.M  S.  SM  AW,  Clerk  of  the  District 
of  Mauachuteus. 


NKT' 


■mmmimm- 


.  iwfiiji.1  .iiii«pmi< 


[T. 

itiy*  bestowed  on  those 
p  lives  tp  its  cause,  are 
tion  br.ms  in  a  thousand 
•  that  glory  which  lights 
;  deeds  of  «  gallant  dar- 
:he  victim  of  patriotism, 
can  history,  among  the 
he  name  of  our  lamented 
corded.  Although  the 
le  to  his  codntry,  it  has 
shed  a  new  ray  of  glory 
er. 

ons  which  are  commonly 
hat  relates  to  the  life  and 
culiarly  proper  r.t  a  time 
the  gallant  youth  his  scc- 
i  to  their  native  country, 
re  of  the  Chesapeake  as 
in,  with  an  account  of  the 
in  the  enemy's  country 
his  pamphlet,  which  will 
and  some  poetical  efTu- 


nty-eigbtliday  of  Auf(ait,  in  the 
the  United-StaUt  of  Araeriea, 
epotited  in  thi*  oflSoe  tlie  title  of 
etor,  in  the  word*  following,  to 
towed  on  the  i-emnins  of  Captain 
tr  prooonnoed  at  Sal'.m,  on  the 
1  is  prefixed,  an  aecount  of  the 
man,  with  doeuments  relative  to 
:c9. 

hero'*  Strive." 

ilie  United  States,  iutitled,  '<  An 
Lii-ini;  the  copies  of  maps,  charts, 
I  copies,  during  the  *inae«  therein 
Lit  Act  Mippleinentary  to  an  net, 
irning,  by  securing  the  copies  of 
iroiM'ielo'rs  of  such  copies  during 
lie  benefits  thereof  to  the  arU  of 
il  other  prints." 

3.  SHAW,  Clerk  of  the  District 
of  MaU8chuse:ts. 


ENOA6EMENT 

BETWEEN  THE  CHESAPEAKE  AND  SHANNON. 

The  American  Frigate  Chesapeake,  commanded  by  Cap- 
tain James  Lawrence,  after  having  received  the  repurs  which  a 
winter's  cruise  of  five  months  had  rendered  necessary,  dropped 
into  the  outer  harbour  of  Boston,  on  Sunday  the  tlurtieth  of  May, 
1813. 

Two  British  frigates  had  long  before  been  cruising  in  the 
Bay,  and  it  was  during  their  temporary  absence,  that  the 
Chesapeake  came  into  port  without  interruption,  after  having 
made  a  complete  circuit  of  the  Atlantic,  under  the  coipmand 
of  Capuin  Evans,  without  falling  in  with  any  of  the  public  ves- 
sels of  the  enemy. 

On  the  S5th  of  May  the  Tenedos,  one  of  the  British  frigates, 
separated  from  her  consort,  and  the  Shannon,  rated  a  thirty-eight 
gun  ship,  commanded  by  Captain  P.  B.  V.  Broke,  continued  alone 
on  the  station.  Repeated  verbal  challenges  from  the  commander 
of  this  Frigate  to  the  commander  of  the  Chesapeake,  had  been 
reported  by  vessels  spoken  by  the  British  ship,  but  the  fornwlity 
of  writing  was  not  adopted  by  Captain  Broke  in  time  for  his 
communication  to  be  received  by  Caption  Lawrence. 

On  the  1st  day  of  June,  while  the  finhl  preparations  for  a  cruise 
were  making  on  board  the  Chesapeake,  two  new  lieutenants 
having  just  been  ordered  to  her,  the  Sliannon  appeared  off  the 
harbour  at  an  early  hour  in  the  morning,  and  continued  standing 
off  and  on  in  full  view  of  the  town.  The  sight  of  the  flag  of  an 
enemy,  waving  in  proud  defiance  on  board  a  single,  ship,  was  a 
Mgnal  for  the  hurried  completion  of  the  preparations  of  the  Amcr* 
kan  Frigate.  At  half  past  twelve  o'clock,  as  early  as  the  tide 
would  permit,  the  anchor  of  the  Chesapeake  -wan  weighed,  and 
she  stood  out  to  sea  through  the'Light  House  channel,  steering 
about  an  easterly  course.  The  Shannon,  then  on  the  north  side 
of  the  bay,  t4bked  and  stood  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  and 
cont^ued  on  that  course  until  she  disappeared  from  sight  in 
town,  about  fiAir  o'clock.  The  Chesapeake  also  disat>peared 
about  half  past  five  o'clock,  stilt  standing  to  the  eastward.  The 
lugh  lands  and  house  tops,  in  Boston  and  its  vicinity,  were  crowd- 
ed with  specutors  of  the  progress  of  the  hostile  ships,  anxiously 
waiting  for  tiie  commencement  of  the  expected  combat.    Boats 


f-4 


in  great  numbers  had  gone  into  the  bay,  filled  with  passengers, 
to  witness  the  engagement,  and  they  returned  in  the  evening 
with  intelligence  of  the  capture  of  the  Chesapeake  ;  but  so  ron> 
tradictory  were  the  statements  of  different  witnesses,  that  the 
public  nund  was  kept  in  a  state  of  painful  suHpensc  until  the  18th, 
when  Halifax  papers  of  the  9th  were  received,  announcing  the 
arrival  of  both  ships  at  that  port. 

The  following  paiticulars  of  the  action,  said  to  have  been  ob- 
tained from  officers  of  the  Shannon,  were  given  in  those  papers. 


f 


ENGLISH  ACCOUNT. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  1st  inst.  the  Shannon  stood  in  close 
to  Boston  Light  House,  and  observed  the  Chesapeake  lying  at 
anchor,  with  royal  yards  across,  and  apparently  ready  for  sea— 
the  British  colors  were  then  hoisted  on  board  the  Shannon,  and 
she  hove  to,  near  the  land ;  at  9  A.  M.  the  enemy  frigate  was 
observed  to  loosen  her  sails,  and  fire  a  gun ;  at  half  past  twelve 
she  weighed  anchor,  and  stood  out  of  the  harbor,  when  the 
Shannon  filled,  and,  under  easy  sail,  edged  off*  the  land,  followed 
by  the'  Chesapeake ;  at  4,  shortened  sail,  at  5  hove  to,  with  the 
topsails  aback,  for  fear  the  enemy  would  not  bring  her  to  action 
before  dark.  In  twenty  minutes  after,  the  Chesapeake  sheered 
within  musket  shot  of  the  Shannon,  still  standing  towards  her, 
in  such  way  as  left  our  tars  in  uncertainty  which  side  of  their 
ship  she  intended  to  engage ;  at  half  past  5,  however,  she  luffed 
up  on  the  Shannon's  weather  quarter,  and  on  her  foremast 
coming  in  a  line  with  the  Shannon's  mizen,  the  latter  fired  the 
after  gun,  and  her  others,  successively,  until  the  enemy  came 
directly  abreast,  when  the  Chesapeake  fired  her  whoie  broadside, 
which  the  Shannon  immediptcly  returned ;  in  five  minutes  the 
Chesapeake  fell  along-side  the  Shannon,  and  was  boarded  in  her 
tops,  as  well  as  on  her  decks,  and,  in  eleven  minutes  from  the 
commencement  of  the  action,  her  ensign  was  hauled  down,  and 
soon  afterwards  replaced  with  the  English  fli^  over  them. — 
Her  decks  cleared  of  the  dead,  the  wounded  taken  below,  a 
great  proportion  of  the  prisoners  removed  out  of  her;  and  ac- 
companied by  the  Shannon,  she  was  steered  fur  this  port. 

On  board  the  Shannon,  Mr.  Watt,  the  first  Lieutenant ;  Mr. 
Aldham,  the  Purser ;  Mr.  Duhn,  Captain's  Clerk,  and  twenty- 
three  seamen,  were  killed — Captain  Broke,  a  midshipman,  and 
fifty-six  seamen,  wounded. 

[The  loss  on  board  the  Chesapeake  is  then  stated.J 

Capt.  Broke,  we  understand,  nobly  led  the  boarders  from  the 
quarter-deck,  and  was,  we  ra-e  sorry  to  state,  severely  wounded, 
in  the  moment  of  victoiy,  by  a  <  abre,  on  the  head,  while  exerting 
himself  to  save  two  Americans  from  the  fury  of  his  men ;  he  is, 
hpwever,  wc  rejoice  to  learn,  in  a  fair  way  of  recovery,  and  we 


i 


i 


*mtWfkmMktdi0iii  iiiLJiiKHiftriHii*,!^, 


mifrrrf^  ir      ■»;■■> 


^asaengers, 
10  evening 
)Ut  ao  ron- 
18,  that  the 
111  the  18th, 
luncing  the 

|re  been  ob- 
a&e  papers. 


3od  in  close 

ke  lying  at 

y  for  sea^— 

lannon,  and 

frigate  tvas 

past  twelve 

when  the 

id,  followed 

to,  with  the 

ler  to  action 

ike  sheered 

owards  her, 

de  of  their 

r,  she  luffed 

er  foremast 

ter  fired  the 

;nemy  came 

\c  broadside, 

minutes  the 

irded  in  her 

tes  from  the 

d  down,  and 

ver  them. — 

en  below,  a 

ler ;  and  ac- 

port. 

:enant;  Mr. 
uid  twcnty- 
liipman,  and 

ited.] 

:rs  from  the 
ly  wounded, 
lile  exerting 
men ;  he  is, 
ery,  and  we 


AMEUICAN  OFFICIAL  ACCOUNT 

OP  THE  CAPTURE  OF  THE  CHESAPEAKE. 

Cofitf  qfa  letter  from  Lieut.  Bodd  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Attvy, 

dated  Nalffaxi  June  15,  1813. 
SiB,  • 

The  unfortunate  death  of  Captain  Jamea  Lawrence^  and  Lieut. 
Juguatua  C.  Ludlow,  has  rendered  it  my  duty  to  inform  you 
of  the  capture  of  the  United  Stales  Frigate  Chesapeake. 

On  Tuesday,  June  1st,  at  8  A.  M.  we  unmoored  the  ship,  and 
at  meridian  got  under  way  from  President's  Roads,  with  a  light 
wind  from  the  southward  and  westward,  and  proceeded  on  a 
cruise.  A  ship  was  then  in  sight  in  the  offing,  which  had  the 
appearance  of  a  ship  of  war,  an  i  which,  from  information  teceiv- 
ed  from  pilot  boats  and  craft,  we  believed  to  be  the  British 
frigate  Shannon.  We  made  sail  in  chase  and  cleared  ship  for 
action.  At  half  past  four,  P.  M.  she  hove  too,  with  her  head 
to  the  southward  and  eastward.  At  five,  P.  M.  took  in  the 
royals  ai|d  top-gallant-sail^  and  at  half  past  five,  hauled  the 
courses  up.  About  fifteen  minutes  before  six,  P.  M.  the  action 
commenced  within  pistol  shot.  The  first  broadside  did  great 
execution  on  both  sides,  damaged  our  rigging,  killed)  among 
others,  Mr.  White,  the  sailing  master,  and  wounded  Captain 
Lawrence.  In  about  twelve  minutes  after  the  commencement 
of  the  tcUoB,  we  fell  on  board  of  the  enemy,  and  immediately 
after  one  of  our  arm  chests  on  the  quarter  deck  was  blown  up 
by  a  hand  grenade  thrown  from  the  enemy's  ship.  In  a  few 
minutes  one  of  the  Captain's  aids  came  on  the  gun  deck  to  in- 
form me,  that  the  boarders  were  called.  I  immediately  called  the 
boarders  away,  and  proceeded  to  the  spar  deck,  where  I  found 
that  the  enemy  had  succeeded  in  boarding  us,  and  had  gained 
pr<Hsession  of  our  quarter  deck.  1  immediately  gave  orders  to 
haul  on  board  the  fore  tack,  for  the  purpose  of  shooting  the 
ship  clear  of  the  other,  ;md  tiien  made  an  attempt  to  regain  the 

Suarter  deck,  but  was  wounded  and  thrown  down  on  the  gun 
eck.  I  ag^n  made  an  effort  to  collect  the  boardors.  but  in  the 
mean  time  the  enemy  gained  complete  possession  .  :he  ship. 
On  my  being  carried  down  to  the  cockpit,  I  there  foui:ii'  Captain 
Lawrence  and  Lieut.  Ludlow  both  mortally  wounded;  the 
former  had  been  carried  below  previous  to  'the  ship's-  being 
boarded ;  the  latter  was  wounded  in  attempting  to  repel  the 
boarders.  Adftng  those  who  fell  early  in  the  action,  was  Mr. 
Edward  J.  Ballard,  the  4lh  Lieutenant,  and  Lieut.  James' 
Broome,  of  marines. 

I  herein  enclose  to  you  a  return  of  the  killed  and  wounded, 
by  which  you  will  perceive  that  every  officer,  upon  whom  the 
charge  of  the  ship  could  devolve,  was  either  killed  or  wounded, 
previously  to  her  capture.  The  enemy  rsport  the  loss  of  Mr. 
AVatt,  their  first  lie  u.tenant ;  the  purser;  the  captain's  clerk,  and 


I  nmy^^pwi 


"•■>*■ 


''I 


10 

'  twenty-three  seamen,  killed ;   and  Capt.  Broke,  a  midshipman, 
and  fifty-six  seamen  wounded. 

The  Shannon  had,  in  addition  to  ^her  full  complement,  an 
olTicerand  sixteen  men  belonging  to  the  Belle  Poulc,  and  a  part 
of  the  crew  of  the  Tenedos. 

I  have  the  honbur  to  be,  with  very  great  respect,  Sec. 

GEORGE  BUDD. 
The  Hon.  William  Jones, 

Secretary  ({f  the  Airy,  Wa$hington. 

KILLED. 

Q^c«r«.— Edward  J.  Ballard,  acting  Lieutenant ;  James  Broome,  (int 
Lieutenant  of  Marines;  William  A.  White,  Sailing  Matter;  PolUrl 
Hopewell,  John  Bva.i*,  Courlland  Livingston,  Midshipmen i  Daniel 
Durham,  Quartermntler  ;  James  Woodbury,  do. ;  Michael  Kelly,  Quar- 
ter Gunner  t  John  Carter,  Boatswain's  Mate. 

Seamen— Mtnry  H.  Munroe,  Abraham  Cox,  Sterling  Clark,  Alexander 
Marino, Th«mas  Uvans,  John  Miller,  Daniel  Martin,  Robert  Bates,  Wil- 
liam Russell,  Harris  Ball,  Andrew  Williams,  Joseph  Simmonds.  John 
W.Duggan,  David  Bias,  Josiah  Shatfield,  John  Phillips, Benjamin  Esday, 
John  Reed,  3d.  Samuel  Mullin,  Michael  Sawyer,  James  Betton,  John 
Crabb,  Samuel  M.  Perkins,  Joseph  Judith,  John  Jones,  Christopher 
lloustan. 

Marine*  — Tliomas  Wheaton,  Benjamin  Morrison,  John  MolHgan,  Jobs 
'  German,  John  Huntress,  James  Trainor,  Jacob  Preston,  Phillip  Bryant, 
Redmond  Barry,  Robert  Standley,  Dclony  Ward. 

WOUNDED. 

O^0p«._Jambs  LAWaiMoa,  Esq.  Captain*  i  Augustus  C.  Ludlow, 
Lieutenant* ;  George  Budd,  Lieutcnuit  t  William  Cox,  acting  lieuten- 
ant;  Samuel  Livermore,  acting  Chaplain;  Francis  Nichols,  Walter 
Abbot,  William  A.  Weaver,  Fximund  M.  Russell,  William  Berry,  Mid- 
shipmen ;  I'eter  Adams,  Boatswain* ;  JefTersun  Griffith,  James  A.  Lewis, 
Quarter-masters;  Porbes  Dels,  Qusrter.i[funner* ;  Samuel  Hutson, 
Sail.maker's  Mate;  Thomas  Finnagan,  Gunner's  Yeoman;  Thomu 
Smith,  Sd.  John  Veazey,  John  Giles,  Thomas  Rouse,  Quarter-gunners ; 
Thomas  Jackson,  3d.  Quarter-master. 

<S'«amen.— James  Sprout,  Sylvester  Stscey,  John  Appleton,  Peter 
Quantin,  Jamel  Butler,  John  Johnson,  John  Peterson,  Tiioma%  Sterling, 
Peter  John,  Jehu  Smith,  Joseph  Weyhmd,  Francis  Symonds,*  John 
Brice,  Elipbalet  Carr,  Thomas  Flanagan,  John  Hodgman,*  Francis 
Franklin,  Henry  Hyde,  Ale:.;ander  Grant,  Enoch  Hackett,  Andrew  Mer- 
cer, John  Tallman,  James  Parker,  Ebenezer  Day,  Giles  Cone,*  Andrew 
Vandesnau,  Derby  Lee,*  John  Hunt,*  Rolla  PeterSiRobert  May,  Joseph 
Vouglm,  John  Devo,*  Noel  Dearborn,  John  Rollins,  Charles  Sargent, 
William  Metcalf,  Charles  Thompson,  Abraham  Richardson,  James  Dur- 
fee,  Lewis  Hanscom,*  William  Hubans,  Benjamin  Sumner,  Williaai 
M'Caflbrty»  Marcus  Mansel,*  John  Desink,  John  Petasiwing,  WiUism 
Peterson,  William  Stewart,  Asa  Newhall,  AlexandalKBrown,  Mathios 
Douglas.  John  M'Neal,*  John  Crutchett,  Thomas  Jone4, 3d.  John  Cald- 
well, William  Gardner,  and  John  Kegan. 

Mariiut. — Sergeants,  John  Twiss,  William  Harris ;  Corporal,  Willisni 
Dixon* ;  Privates,  Richard  Hoffman,  James  Brown,  Joseph  Twiss,  George 
Upham,  John  Crippen,  Samuel  Jackson,  John  Johnston,  John  WMgbt, 
Miles  Morris,  Mathias  Woolberry,  Warren  Fogrg,  Thomas  Johnson, 
Georgfo  dyne,  Joseph  Crone,  William  Lewis,  John  IJvret  and  John 
Brady. 

*  Since  dead. 


mrmi^r-mm'nm^mr-  ' 


11 


ke,  a  midshipman. 

I  complement,  an 
e  Poulc,  and  a  part 

sspcctt  See. 
ORGE  BUDD. 


;  James  Broome,  fint 
inpr  Master;  PolUrl 
Midshipmen  I  Daniel 
Michael  Kelly,  Quar* 

ling  Clark,  Alexander 
in,  Robert  Bates,  WU- 
seph  Simmondt,  John 
Hips,  Benjamin  Esday, 
James  Betton,  John 
IB  Jones,  Ohrlatophet 

n,  John  MolHgfan,  John 
reaton,  Phillip  Bryant, 


Augfustus  C.  Ludlow, 
fi  Cox,  acting  Lieuten> 
incis  Nichols,  Walter 
i,  William  Berry.  Mid- 
iffith,  James  A.  Lewis, 
!r* ;  Samuel  Hutson, 
r's  Yeeman;  Thomu 
use,  Quarter-gunners  i 

i>hn  Appleton,  Peter 
rson,  Tiioma%  Sterling, 
incis  Symonds,*  John 
I  Hodgman,*  Fhuicu 
lackett,  Andrew  Mer- 
,  Giles  Gone,*  Andrew 
s^Robert  May,  Joseph 
Uns,  Charles  Sarnnt, 
iehardson,  James  Dur> 
nin  Sumner,  Wtlliani 
I  Petasiwing,  William 
uidelKBrown,  Mathias 
I  Jonea,  3d.  John  Cald- 

'is ;  Corporal,  Williani 
Joseph  Twiss,  George 
shnston,  John  Wright, 
rg,  Thomas  Johnson, 
John  Livre,  and  John 


THE  CHESAPEAKE. 

WHILE  the  capture  of  this  ill-fated  ship  and  the  unexampled 
carnage  of  our  l>rave  officers,  seamen  and  marines  have  created 
a  pang  of  universal  sorrow  ;  to  alleviate  our  grief,  it  ought  to 
be  remembered,  tnat  a  seriea  of  ditadvantaget  and  accident* 
occurred,  against  which  no  skill  or  prudence  could  have  guard- 
ed ;  which  are  not  likely  to  recur ;  and  the  combined  force  of 
which,  in  all  probability,  occasioned  the  melancholy  catastrophe, 
which  has  ao  deeply  depressed  the  fcelin^fs  of  the  nation. 

Captain  Evans,  who  commanded  the  Frigate  during  her  last 
cruise,  who  perfectly  understood  her  trim,  and  who  bad  acquir- 
ed a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  merits  of  his  officers  and  men, 
it  is  reasonable  to  presume,  could  have  brought  the  ship  into 
action  under  greater  advantages,  than  his  brave  and  skilful  suc- 
cessor, wlio  could  have  had  no  previous  opportunity  of  acquiring 
the  knowledge  so  fully  possessed  by  him.  But  a  wound 
which  he  received  in  the  Mediterranean,  and  which  severely 
sfTected  one  eye,  and  by  sympathy  the  o||ier,  rendered  him  unfit 
for  a  cruise,  and  induced  him  to  solicit  shore-service  until  his 
recovery.  The  command  of  the  ship  then  devolved  upon  Cap- 
tain Lawrence,  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  assigned  her 
to  him,  with  orders  to  proceed  to  sea  as  soon,  as  she  was  ready. 
He  accordingly  joined  the  ship  about  ten  days  previously  to  her 
sailing,  at  which  time  she  was  nearly  ready  for  sea.  This  un- 
acquaintance  with  the  ability  of  his  officers,  and  the  character  of 
his  nien,  was  an  evident  disadvantage  ;  but  it  was  inevitable. 
The  situation  of  the  ship,  and  the  discipline  and  appearance  of 
the  crew,  much  surpassed  his  expectations.  As  if  by  some 
fatility,  the  disadvantage  already  suggested  was  but  the  com- 
mencement of  a  train  of  evils,  any  one  of  which  might  have 
proved  fatal  to  the  best  fought  battle.  Prior  to  Captain  Law- 
rence's arrival,  Mr.  Thompson,  the  second  Lieutenant  of  the 
ship  in  her  last  cruise,  had  obtained  leave  of  absence  on  account 
of  ill  health ;  and  after  his  arrival,  Mr.  Nicholson,  for  the  same 
cause,  and  Mr.  Pearce,  acting  lieutenants,  obtained  leave  of 
absence  ;  and  on  Thu  .liiday  previously  to  her  sailing,  Mr.  Page, 
the  first  Lieutenant,  and  an  invaluable  officer,  was  dangerously 
seized  with  a  In.r*  fever,  of  which  he  ahortljr  after  died. 
Lieutenant  Ludlow,  the  third  officer  in  the  last  cruise,  of  course 
succeeded  to  Mr.  Page's  situation,  a  station  in  which  he  had  never 
before  acted.  The  assignment  of  new  duties  to  new  officers, 
however  brave  or  skilful,  a  short  time  before  putting  to  sea, 
must  also  appear  to  every  reflecting  mind  an  evident  disadvan- 
tage. This  disadvantagre  is  heightened  by  the  consideratbn, 
that  the  gentlemen,  who  reluctant^  left  the  ship,  had  inlisted  the 
crew ;  had  been  with  them  in  their  former  five  months  cruise,  and 


V 


n 


were  oflkeri,  in  whom  the  seamen  had  the  greatest  confidence. 
NotwitliHtaiiding  the  absence  of  these  olTicers,  Captain  Luwrcnce 
ticrnted  it  «injustifial)lc  to  potitpnnc  his  cruise.  It  might  he  an 
act  of  injustice  to  officers,  who  had  succeeded  to  advanced  hta- 
tions,  in  the  regular  course  of  service,  to  Ik;  superceded  in  their 
commands  by  oflicers  from  any  other  ships.  Dut  waving  the 
point  of  honour,  the  soul  of  service,  and  dearer  to  oflicers,  than 
•'  tlie  apple  of  their  eye,"  if  Captain  Lawrence  had  postponed  his 
cruise,  no  senior  Lieutenants  were  to  l)c  obtaimd,  as  they  were 
all  assigned  to  other  service.  Apart  from  his  peremptory  orders 
to  proceed  to  sea,  for  the  non-observance  of  which,  he  would 
have  been  censurable,  there  was  no  justifiable  reason  for  delay- 
ing departure ;  and  our  brave  commander's  conduct  in  going 
out,  is  fully  sanctioned  by  the  gallant  Uainbridge,  the  com- 
manding officer  of  the  station.  This  is  a  perfect  justification,  if 
any  were  required,  fcv  the  conduct  of  a  junior  officer. 

It  was  known  that  the  Tcnedos,  the  consort  of  the  Shannon, 
had  left  our  bay  to  water ;  and  the  latter  ship  had  not  been  seen 
for  some  days  prior  to  the  first  of  June,  when,  as  if  the  genius 
of  the  ocean  had  conuured  with  the  fates  to  vanquish  our  gal- 
lantry, she  hove  in  sight  and  spread  her  colours  in  defiance. 
Captain  Lawrence  was  then  on  board  the  Chesapeake  preparing 
to  weigh  anchor,  and  gallantly  proceeded,  without  a  consultation 
on  shore,  as  if  no  menace  had  been  offered ;  and  his  officers, 
and  many  of  his  men  were  elated  at  the  proximity  of  the  enemy. 
It  is  unnecessary  to  comment  upon  the  great  inconvenience  of 
being  brought  immediately  to  action  upon  a  departure  from  port. 
Even  if  the  battle  be  fought  before  the  men  become  aeo'tick ; 
and  in  waters  so  still,  that  the  acquisition  of  their  aea-legt  it 
unimportant ;— yet  bidding  adieu  to  wives,  children,  friends  and 
country,  with  the  awful  certainty,  that  many  **  hearts  of  oak" 
must  soon  visit  the  world  of  spirits,  inevitably  depresses  the 
feelings  to  a  degree,  very  unfavourable  to  the  exercise  of  mus- 
cular action.  Indeed,  Captain  Lawrence  was  so  well  aware  of 
this  disadvantage,  that  he  declared  he  had  rather  fight  the  Shan- 
non and  Tenedos  in  succession,  after  being  at  sea  twenty  days, 
than  to  meet  one  of  them  immediately  upon  weighing  anchor. 
This  disadvantage,  however,  was  unavoidablei  as  the  enemy  in 
our  bay,  alwavs  has  it  in  his  power  to  bring  one  of  our  frigates 
to  action  withm  six  hours  after  her  departure ;  and  the  ships,  by 
lying  in  port  six  months,  would  not  acquire  a  superior  degree 
of  preparation  to  meet  an  enemy ;  for  the  same  disiadvantagcous 
causes  would  always  continue  to  operate. 

The  battle  was  begun  by  an  apparent  advantage  on  our  side, 
both  in  position  and  the  celerity  of  fire ;  but  the  destruction  of 
officers  by  the  enemy's  fire,  and  prior  to  his  boarding,  in  pro- 
portion to  the  destruction  of  men,  was  more  than  ten  to  one ; 
and  Capt.  Lawrence  was  wounded  in  the  leg  in  the  first  broadside. 
No  man  can  reasonably  dottbt,  that  there  was  accident  in  this. 


•«i«anv 


««W"ap>** 


>a 


Kvcalcftt  conrulencc. 

•,  Captain  Lawrence 

te.     It  might  l)»  an 

led  to  advanced  Ma- 

■upcrccded  in  thcii- 

Dm  waving  the 

arcr  to  ofltcers,  than 

0  had  postponed  hit 

itaincdi  as  they  were 

peremptory  orders 

ot  which,  he  would 

ible  reason  for  delay- 

r's  conduct  in  going 

ainbridgc,  the  com- 

erfect  justification,  if 

dor  officer. 

isort  of  the  Shannon, 

lip  had  not  been  seen 

hen,  as  if  the  genius 

to  vanquish  our  gal- 

'  colours  in  defiance. 

Chesapeake  preparing 

nrithout  a  consultation 

red ;  and  his  officers, 

oximity  of  the  enemy. 

;reat  inconvenience  of 

a  departure  from  port. 

len  become  tea-tick; 

m  of  their  tea-legt  U 

I,  children,  friends  and 

lany  *'  hearts  of  oak" 

ritably  depresses  the 

the  exercise  of  mus* 

was  so  well  aware  of 

rather  fight  the  Shan- 

ng  at  sea  twenty  days, 

pon  weighing  anchor. 

able,  as  the  enemy  in 

ng  one  of  our  filgates 

ure ;  and  the  ships,  by 

lire  a  superior  degree 

same  disadvantageous 

idvantagc  on  our  side, 
but  the  destruction  of 
I  his  boarding,  in  pro- 
ore  than  ten  to  one ; 
g  in  the  first  broadside, 
s  was  accident  in  this. 


IS 

The  action  was  commenced  at  pistol  shot,  the  Chcsupcakv  liuv< 
ing  the    wcuthcrgagc ;    and,  while  tlie  bmo'iiiding  continued, 
the  shipM  were  nearing.     In  this  position  ou:  iii|;ato  must  have 
noon  taken  the  wind  from  the  enemy's  sails,  which  would  have 
enabled  the  Chesapeake,  while  he  was  fiUuig,  to  shoot  ahead,  lay 
herself  across  the  enemy's  bows,  and  rake,  which  would  havo 
rendered  victory  decisive     At  this  moment  the  foresails  wcro 
■0  disabled,  that  the   Chesapeake  would  not  obey  her  helm. 
Our  ship  with  her  head  to  wind  fell  so  far  to  the  leeward,  that 
when  the  Shannon  filled,   she  ran  her  bowsprit  between  our 
main  rigging  and  mainmast,  and  laid  it  diagonally  across  the 
spar  deck,  and  was  prepared  to  repel  boirdcrs.     Com.  Broke 
perceiving,  that  our  upper   deck  was  almost  entirely  swept, 
changed  the  disposition  of  the  battle,  and  boarded  at  the  head 
of  twenty  men,  instead  of  waiting  to  repel.      When  Captain 
Lawrence  perceived  that  Com.  Broke  was  prepared  to  board,  the 
order  was  passed  to  call  the  boarders  to  repel,  when  the  bugle- 
man  failed  in  his  duty.     But  Lieutenant  Cox,  wlio  comitianded 
the  middle  division  on  the  gun-deck,  heard  the  order  and  ran 
up.    At  this  moment,  and  while  Captain  Lawrence  was  (giving 
some   orders   in  relation  to  the  damaged   foresails,  that  the 
ship  might  again  be   rendered    manageable,  and   the   instant 
before  Com.Broke  boarded,  he  received  his  mortal  wound.  Lieut. 
Cox,  aided  by  the  men,  carried  Captain  Lawrence  l>elow,  who 
gave  orders  before  he  left  the  deck,<o  "fight  the  ship  till  she 
sunk."    After  this,  there  was  no  officer  unhurt  to  command  upon 
our  upi)er  deck ;  and  but  on'.^  on  the  gun  deck. 

The  midshipmen  perceiving  the  enemy  on  the  quarter-deck, 
and  that  the  order  issued  to  the  boarders  by  their  bravr:  Com- 
mander was  disobeyed,  ran  to  the  gun  deck  to  rally  the  boarders, 
which  occasioned  a  loss  of  some  minutes  in  the  most  important 
and  critical  period  of  the  conflict.  In  the  mean  time  the  Shan- 
non had  thrown  on  board  the  Chesapeake  sixty  additional 
boarders,  and  the  enemy  had  an  almost  undisputed  possession 
of  our  upper  deck.  Lieutenant  Budd  bravely  led  up  and  gave 
orders  to  the  boarders  to  follow.  Not  more  than  from  fifteen 
to  twenty-five  obeyed  him.  He  was  immediately  cut  down,  and 
a  dreadful  conflict  ensued  between  the  hoarders,  who 'lischargcd 
their  duty,  the  surviving  men  on  the  upper  deck  and  the  ene- 
my's boarders ;  but  the  fpllant  handful  were  soon  immolated  by 
the  overwhelming  superiority  of  the  enemy.    | 

The  payment  of  the  prize-money  of  the  former  cruise,in  which 
Capt.Lawrence  had  no  concern,  had  been  unaccountably  delayed. 
When  the  ship  was  unmooring  and  the  enemy  b  Bight,Capt.Law- 
rence  assembled  his  men,  pointed  to  hia  flag  and  exhorted  them 
to  die  sooner  than  to  see  it. dishonoured.  When  he  finished  his 
harangue,  there  was  a  murmuring  among  the  seamen,  with 
respect  to  the  delinquency  of  the  priy.c-agent.    At  the  head  of 


■  ■•■■■■.;■■■         '     14  ■ 

the  disaffected  was  a  Portuguese  boatswain's  mate.  When 
Lieutenant  Budd  led  up  his  boarders,  this  fellow  opened  the 
hatches  and  led  the  residue  of  the  crew  beldw,  exclaiming,  as 
it  is  reported,  "  so  much  for  not  paying  men  their  prize-money." 
.  A  single  hand  grenade  was  thrown  into  an  arm-chest  ujwn 
the  quarter-deck  by  the  enemy,  which  exploded  and  created 
l^reat  confusion  at  the  moment  ef  boarding.  The  delay  in  call- 
ing the  boarders  to  repel  at  this  critical  moment ;  the  loss  of 
the  Captain  ;  the  defection  of  the  men ;  the  ship  being  rendered 
unmanageable ;  the  disproportion  between  the  loss  of  officers 
and  men,  and  the  explosion  of  the  arm-chest,  were  certainly  se- 
vere, but  unavoidable  accidents.  That  some  of  these  disadvan- 
tages should  have  been  encountered,  and  that  some  of  these 
accidents  should  have  happened,  is  within  the  calculations  of 
probability ;  but  that  they  all  should  have  concurred,  and  the 
inost  trifling,  even  the  poor  buglcman,  so  strongly  affecting  the 
fatal  issue,  is  wonderful !  But  we  have  consolation.  There  was 
no  want  of  skill  or  bravery  on  the  part  of  our  officers,  seamen 
or  marines,  so  long  as  an  officer  remained  to  command.  The  shat- 
terefl  state  of  the  enemy,  having  many  shots  upon  and  below 
his  water  line,  and  his  spars  and  rigging  much  damaged,  the 
desperation  of  lioarding,  and  the  respect  paid  to  the  remains  of 
our  brave  officers  attest  this.  The  generous  tear  of  a  brave 
enemy  is  a  more  honourable  tribute,  than  a  vote  of  thanks 
from——* ! !  I  But  after  Captain  Lawrence  was  disabled,  there 
was  no  well  directed  effisrt  either  to  annoy  the  enemy  or  defend 
the  ship.  There  is  a  further  consolation,  that  under  all  the 
disadvantages,  with  which  our  ship  led  to  acUbn,  and  all  the  disi 
astrous  chances,  she  experienced  in  if,  the  enemy  by  bis  own  ac- 
count, and  he  has  taught  us  by  his  glaring  official  misstatements 

*  After  Capt  Lawrence  bad  put  to  sea  In  the  Chetapeake,  a  motion  was 
made  in  the  Senate  ofMassachusct.es  foravpte  of  thanks  to  the  officers  and 
crew  of  the  Hornet  for  their  brilliant  achievement  in  the  destruction  of  bit 
Britanic  Majesty's  Brig,  Peacock,  and  the  signal  humanitjr  exhibited  by  our 
officers  and  seamen  to  the  vanquished  enemy.  This  motion  was  negatived 
and  a  report  was  made  by  a  committee,  of  which  the  Hon.  Josiah  Quincy  wa> 
chairman,  and  adopted  by  the  Senate,  declaring  that  the  attention  already  paid 
to  our  gallant  navid  commanders,  had  given  offence  to  ••  many  good  people," 
and  that  .a  vote  of  thanks  to  a  naval  commander,  who  had  perpetrated  a  deed 
which  reflected  Honour  upon  the  American  name,  in  this  "  unjusti  unneces- 
sary, and  iniquitous  war,"  was  inconsistent  with  "  the  feelings  ca  a  moral  and 
religious  people".  The  battie  of  the  Hornet  and  Peacock  has  been  pronoun- 
cevl  "bolder  in  design  and  more  brilliant  in  execution"  than  either  of  our 
former  victories.  The  inconsistency  of  withholding  a  paltry  "  vote  of  thanks ," 
which  had  been  granted  to  others  is  what  no  ren  ;tmg  man  would  incur ; 
tl)c  presumption  of  violating  the  usage  of  almost  everv  legislature  in  the  un< 
ion  a  prudent  man  wnuld  avoid  i  and  the  indelicacy  of  the  censure  cast  upon 
the  last  legislature  of  Massachusetts,  one  branch  of  which  was  federal,  fok 
having  passed  similar  resolutions ;  and  the  coarse  reproach  contained  in  this 
resolve  upon  those  who  gave  a  naval  ball  and  feasted  Biunbridge  and  Hull ; 
'are  equally  irreconcilable  wiUi  liheral  feelings,  sound  policy,  and  popular 
sentiment. 


-^IW 


nanta 


mm 


iriffi.iitf0ttfi"i.««r"'  « 


15 


in's  mate.     When 

fellow  opened  the 

dw,  exclaiming,  as 

their  prize-money." 

an  arm-chest  uiion 

loded  a.nd  created 

The  delay  in  call- 

noment ;  the  loss  of 

ship  being  rendered 

the  loss  of  officers 

t,  were  certainly  se- 

e  of  these  disadvan- 

:hat  some  of  these 

the  calculations  of 

concurred,  and  the 

rongly  affecting  the 

olation.    There  was 

lur  officers,  seamen 

:ommand.  The  shat- 

ts  upon  and  below 

much  damaged,  the 

lid  to  the  remains  of 

rous  tear  of  a  brave 

n  a  vote  of  thanks 

:e  was  disabled,  there 

the  enemy  or  defend 

)  that  under  all  the 

tibn,  and  all  the  dis* 

;nemy  by  bis  own  ac- 

ifficial  misstatements 

lieupeake,  a  motion  was 
hanks  to  the  officers  and 
in  the  destruction  of  hit 
imanity  exhibited  by  our 
is  motion  was  negatived 
)  Hon.  Josiah  Qiuncy  wai 
the  attention  already  paid 
to  **  many  good  people," 
o  had  perpetrated  a  deed 
in  this  "  unjmt,  unneces- 
le  feelings  of  a  moral  and 
acock  has  been  pronoun- 
ition"  than  either  of  our 
» paltry  "  vote  of  thanks," 
ting  man  woidd incur; 
ery  legislature  in  the  un< 
of  the  censure  cast  upon 
which  was  federal,  fok 
preach  contained  in  this 
ed  Bainbridge  and  Hull ; 
lund  policy,  and  popular 


not  to  believe  him  too  implicitly,  lost  more  in  killed  during  the 
action,  than  wc  lost  in  the  capture  of  the  Guerriere,  the  Mace- 
donian,' the  Java  and  the  Peacock !  \ ! 

The  principal  injury  was  done -to  the  Shannon's  crew  by  our> 
cannonadingjwhich  was  discontinued  when  Captain  Lawrence  met 
with  his  last  disaster ;  but  the  Americans  were  principally  killed 
and  wounded  by  the  musketry  and  sabres  of  the  enemy,  who 
alleges,  that  the  battle  continued  but  eleven  minutes.  One  half 
of  this  Ume  must  have  been  consumed  in  boarding  and  carrying 
the  ship.  The  Shannon  has  been  dismantled  to  repair  damage 
nearly  three  months ;  and  the  enemy  acknowledges  that  his  loss 
in  killed  and  wounded  is  eighty-eight — how  many  more  we  shall 
never  know.  This  terrific  effect  was  produced  in  five  or  six 
minutes !  The  world  never  witnessed  so  destructive  a  fire,  from 
so  limited  a  broadside. 

Had  Captain  Lawrence  received  Commodore  Broke's*  chal- 
lenge before  he  put  to  sea,  it  would  have  enabled  him  to  sail  in 
company  with  a  friendly  flag,  as  proposed  in  the  challenge,  to 
the  appointed  place  of  meeting.  This  would  greatly  have  in- 
creased the  chance  of  our  ship,  and  undoubtedly  some  of  our 
oldest  and  most  experienced  Lieutenants  would  have  volunteer- 
ed for  a  fight.  Our  ship  therefore  would  have  been  better  offi- 
cered, and  as  far  as  we  can  judge,  one  or  two  able  officers,  un- 
hurt, would  have  turned  the  fortune  of  the  day.  Comraoidore 
Broke's  challenge  states  his  braadside  to  present  24  guns ;  14 
long  18  pounders  upon  his  gun  deck,  and  10  thirty-two  pound 
carronades  upon  his  upper  deck.  We  have  been  credibly  in- 
formed by  gentlemen  from  Halifax,  that  his  ship'  mounts 
fifty-two- carriage  guns,  and  has  swivels  in  her  tops.  The  chal- 
lenge further  states,  that  his  complement  is  thi'ee  hundred 
men  and  boys,  'and  that  he  had  on  board  thirty  six,  taken 
from  recaptured  ships.    He  has  left  it  equivocal  whether  he  in- 


*  Much  baa  been  said  of  this  challenge,  but  there  are  some  circumstances, 
which  detract  from  the  chivalry  of  this  brave  and  ezperiencsd  Comman- 
der, It  contains  some  indirect  reflections  upon  the  valiant  and  persever- 
ing Roger<  for  having  eluded  him,  which  were  notoriously  untrue ;  and 
a  sneer  upon  our  Government  which  was  evidendy  indecorous.  The  Halifitx 
Account  states,  that  "  eariy  in  tlie  morning  of  the  first  of  June  the  Shannon 
observed  the  Chesi^Kakelying  at  anchor  with  royal  yards  across,  and  ap- 
parently ready  for  ^ea— 1%e  British  colours  were  then  hoisted  pn  board 
the  Shannoiu  and  she  hoVe  to  near  tlie  huid ;  at  9,  A.M.  the  enemy  frigate 
was  observed  to  loosen  her  sails  and  fire  a  gun  t  at  half  past  ti|elve  she 
weighed  anchor,  and  stood  out  of  the  harbour."  Now  it  is  well  ascertained 
that  Broke's  challenge  was  not  sent  from  his  own  ship,  and  that  too,  by  the 
way  of  Salem,  until  half  past  twelve.  There  was  no  chance*  tlierefore.pf 
its  reaching  the  Chesapeake,  had  she  remuned  in  port,  untU  the  morning 
of  the  second.  It  must  be  presumed  therefore  that  Captjun  Broke  intended 
to  cUim  th»  honour  of  a  gallant  challenge,  without  Mrmitting  his  antago- 
nist to  avail  himself  of  a  knowledge  of  the  facts,  whiAi  it  contained,  before 
the  conflict  Was  decided. 


i 

i 


"-•    '   .■  -;,.  16 

eludes  marines  in  this  number.  Now  we  have  it  ascertained, 
sI,cethT?ur,cr  of  the  Chesapeake's  arrival,  that  he  had  one 
officer  and  sixteen  men  from  the  Belle  Poule,  and  part  of  the 
crew  of  the  Tenedos.  The  probability  therefore  is,  that  he  had 
above  four  hundred  men  in  the  Shannon,  all  told,  with  the  ad- 
vantaee  of  a  perfect  knowledge  of  his  ship,  his  officers  and  men 
havini  sailed  in  her,  with  a  great  part  of  the  same  crew,  ever 
since  she  was  launched.  Our  ship  presents  a  broadside  of  24 
euns,  of  the  same  rate  with  the  Shannon ;  her  complement  is 
373  men  and  boys,  and  she  mounted  forty-eight  carriage  guns, 
and  had  no  swivels  in  the  tops. 

It  is  said  the  British  cast  their  shot  m  iron,  we  certainly  cast 
ours  in  sand.  But  from  whatever  cause,there  is  man  18  pound 
shot,  a  difference,  in  density,  favourable  to  the  Brittsh,  of  1  lb. 
U  .^z.  in  each  shot,  and  of  nearly  3  lb.  in  each  32  lb.  shot.  Hav- 
insf  the  computation  made,  and  with  undoubted  accuracy,  m  the 
action  between  the  Constitution  and  Java,  let  us  apply  the  same 
Spks  of  computation  to  the  relative  weight  of  metal  between 
the  Chesapeake  and  Shannon. 

Shannon's  gun  deck.  ^^^"^"^l^lF^or^' 
U  guns,  18  lbs.  6  oz.  14  guns  ^^  j^«-  *  °^- 

257  lbs.  4  oz.  231  lbs.  00  oz. 

do.  upper  deck.  do.  upper  deck. 
10  guns,  33  lbs.  10  guns  30  lbs. 

3?0lbs.  _!!!.' 

S87\hs.*oz.  at  a  droadaide.  SSI  \b^.  at  a  broadtide. 

The  difference  in  weight  of  metal  tiirown  by  eabh  broadside 

in  lavor  of  the  Shannon  is  about  afty-six  pounds.    In  addition  to 

Z'2  the  Chesapeake  is  the  worst  ship  we  ever  had  m  tiie  navy, 

and  has  very  bad  quarters.    The  Shannon  has  fine  quarters,  and 

is  an  excellent  ship,  which,  all  other  circumstances  being  equaU 

Rave  her  a  decided  superiority  m  the  action.    If  .the  EnglwU 

beUeve  they  have  decided  the  question  of  our  ^fe™"^:  J. S 

action,  man  for  man,  and  gun  for  g"?' ^^ey  «|"  »«»** «,S 

of  this  belief  by  the  future  manner  of  appointing  and  manning 

their  ships  upon  this  station.  But  they  will  Uke  no  heart  from  this 

enKaKement     Should  the  war  continue,  tiipy^  will  place  dpon 

this  station  stronger  and  better  manned  phips  than  they  have 

ever  done  before.    This  tviU  be  tiie  best  evidence  of  their  be- 

lief     Their  papers  may  vapour ;  but  the  conduct  of  the  Admi- 

laltv  win  be  the  only  sure  criterion  of  their  conviction. 

The  enUiusiasm  of  our  tars*  when  the  blue  flag  was  displayed ; 
the  u«meii4ou8  execution  of  our  fire ;  the  heroic  promptitude 

•  Wlien  the  Clliapeake  got  within  gunshot  distance  of  the  Shannon,  ouf 
seamen  voluntarily  and  heartily  cheered. 


— .  mil  i.iiij>||B)BW|few#<Hwwi"»mwii  <mmv  ■  wim  miaw^—pi^i^^iyipiipipiy^w^^ii 


ave  it  ascertained, 
that  he  had  one 
e,  and  part  of  the 
ore  is,  that  he  had 
told,  with  the  ad- 
is  ofRcers  and  men 
le  same  crew,  ever 
a  broadside  of  24 
her  complement  is 
ight  carnage  guns, 

n,  we  certainly  cast 
re  is  in  an  18  pound 
the  British,  of  1  lb. 
I  33  lb.  shot.  Hav- 
ted  accuracy,  in  the 
:  us  apply  the  same 
;ht  of  metal  between 

lapeake's  gun  deck, 
uns  16  lbs.  8  02S. 
31  lbs.  OOoz. 
ipper  deck. 
;uns  30  lbs. 

30  lbs. 

31  lbs.  at  a  broadiide. 

n  by  ea6h  broadside 
unds.  In  addition  to 
!ver  had  in  the  navy, 
las  fine  quarters,  and 
stances  being  equal, 
on.  If  the  EnglisU 
ur  inferiority,  by  this 
y  will  test  the  verity 
ointing  and  manning 
ke  no  heart  from  this 
thpywill  place  lipon 
ships  than  they  have 
ridence  of  their  be- 
onduct  of  the  Admi- 
'  conviction, 
e  flag  was  displayed ; 
i  henAc  promptitude 

uice  of  the  Shannoiv  our' 


#f  our  ofKcers  in  meeting  the  occasion  ;  the  daring  manner  in 
which  the  conflict  was  commenced  ;  the  Roman  courage  with 
which  it  was  sustained ;  and  the  Spartan  determination,  *'  to 
conquer  or  die,"  «re  consoling  topics  of  reflection,  which  should 
dissipate  the  inclinings  of  despondency. 

Lawhence,  Ludlow,  Ballard,  Broomb,  Whitx;  you 
died  in  the  defence  of  the  «» religion  of  your  flag,"  and  it  is  the 
duty  of  your  countrf  to  emblazon  your  gallantry,  and  consecrate 
your  fame.  Your  names  ar^  early,  but  not  prematurely,  in- 
scribed upon  the  marble  pag^  of  glory,  with  the  heroes  and' 
pattiots  of  all  ages  and  countries.  In  the  infancy  of  out"  navy, 
the  most  splendid  career  of  public  service,  would  not  have  been 
so  invaluable  to  your  country,  as  the  illustrious  examples  of 
your  glory.  The  enemy  is  convinced  that  we  will  conquer  or 
die ;  and  through  a  long  succession  of  centuries,  each  gencrouff 
youth,  glowing  with  a  nobl6  emulation,  and  beholding'  your  gr^at 
i^nowli,  will  be 

With  chute  ambition  fe'd, 
To  die  distinguished,  as  to  live  admit'd. 

The  hero»  who  gallantly  bleeds  for  his  country,  furnishes  the 
Surest  page  of  history,  and  the  brightest  theme  of  the  muse. 
He  rears  to  his  name  a  monumental  column,  which  will  long' 
outlive  the  brazen  tablet,  that  records  the  achievement  of  his 
valour. 


-Nee  Jovis  ira,  nee  ignis, 


Nee  poterit  ferruin,  nee  edax  abolere  vetustlm. 


BIOGRAPRT  OP  CAPTAIN  JAMES  LAWRENCE. 

In  copying  Jrom  the  Analectk  Magazine,  a  Biography  of  Ca/itain 
ZawreAce,  written  by  the  erudite  achotar  and  accomfiliahed 
g-entieman  who  i»  editor  of  that  publication^  we  regret  the  a/i- 
pearance  qf  numeroua  errora  in  point  of  fact.  A  production  the 
eloquence  of  which  doea  ao  much  honour  to  the  talenta  of  the 
author,  we  dared  not  mutilate,  and  having  appended  auch  notes 
ma  were  conaidered  neceaaary  to  correct  Iheae  yniata'kea,  it  i^ 
printed  entire.  The  geniua  andtaate  (f  Mr.  Irvine  have  been 
directed  to  the  Biography  of  many  qf  out  JVaval  heroer,  and 
the  apecimena  if  elegant  compoaition  in  thia  department,  to 
which  hia  pen  haa  given  birth,are  highly  honorary  to^the  litertt* 
ry  character  if  the  country.  ' 

to  speak  feelingly,  yet  temjiicrately,  of  the  merits  of  these 
who  have  bravely  fought,  and  gloriously  fallen  in  the  service  of 
their  country,  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  tasks  ofxtie  biographer. 
Filled  with  admiration  of  their'  valour,  and  sorrow  for  their  fate, 


■^vw^KOMW 


"*»" 


|«;ii  II  iiiji.ii.p    ii^iii 


»"«PP»W"WB»W« 


18 


wc  I'ccl  the  impotency  of  our  gratitude,  in  being  able  to  reward 
such  great  sacrifices  with  nothing  but  empty  applause.  Wc 
arc  apt,  therefore,  to  be  hurriec^;  into  a  degree  of  eulogium,  which, 
however  sincere  and  acknowledged  at  the  time,  may  be  regarded 
as  extravagant  by  the  dispassionate  eye  of  after  years. 

We  feel  more  particularly  this  difficuly,  in  undertaking  to  give 
the  memoirs  of  one,  whose  excellent  qualities  and  gallant  deeds 
are  still  vivid  in  our  recollection,  and  whose  untimely  end  has 
excited  in  an  extraordinary  degree,  the  sympathies  of  his  coun- 
trymen. Indeed,  the  popular  csfteer  of  this  youthful  hero  has 
been  so  transient,  yet  dazzling,  as  almost  to  prevent  sober  inves- 
tigation. Scarce  bad  wc  ceased  to  rejoice  in  his  victory,  before 
we  were  called  on '  to  deplore  his  loss.  He  passed  before  the 
public  eye  like  a  star,  just  beaming  on  it  for  a  moment,  and  fall- 
ing in  the  midst  of  his  brightness. 

Captain  James  Lawrence  was  born  on  the  1  st  of  October,  1781, 
at  Burlington,  in  the  state  of  New  Jeraey.  He  was  the  youngest 
son  of  John  Lawrence,  Esq.  an  eminent  counsellor  at  law  of  th;it 
place.  Within  a  few  weeks  after  his  birth,  his  mother  died,  and 
the  charge  of  him  devolved  on  his  sisters,  to  whom  he  ever  showed 
the  warmest  gratitude  for  the  tender  care  they  took  of  his  infant 
years.  He  early  evinced  that  excellence  of  heart  by  which  he 
was  characterized  through  life ;  he  was  a  dutiful  and  affection- 
ate child*,  mild  in  his  disposition,  and  of  the  most  gentle  and  en- 
gaging manners.  He  was  scarce  twelve  years  of  age  when  he 
expressed  a  decided  partiality  for  a  seafaring  life ;  but  his  father 
disapproving  of  it,  and  wishing  him  to  prepare  for  the  profession 
of  the  law,  his  strong  sense  of  duty  induced  him  to  acquiesce. 
He  went  through  the  common  branches  of  education,  at  a  gram- 
mar school,  at  Burlington,  with  much  credit  to  himself,  and  sat- 
isfaction to  his  tutors.  The  pecuniary  misfortunes  of  bis  father 
prevented  his  receiving  a  finished  education,  and  between  the 
::ge  of  thirteen  and  fourteen  he  commenced  the  study  of  the  law 
with  bis  brother,  the  late  late  John  Lawrence,  Esq.  who  then  resid- 
ed at  Woodbury.  He  remained  for  two  years  in  this  situation, 
vadnly  striving  to  accommodate  liimseU'  to  pursuits,  wholly  re- 
pugnant, to  his  taste  and  inclinations.  The  dry  studies  of  stat- 
utes and  reporters,  the  technical  rubbish,  and  dull  routine  of  a 
I&wyer's  office,  were  little  calculated  to  please  an'  imagination 
teeming  with  the  adventures,  the  wonders,  and  variety  of  the 
seas.  At  length  liis  father  being  dead,  and  his  strong  predilec- 
tion for  the  roving  life  of  a  sailor  being  increased  by  every  at- 
tempt to  curb  it,  his  brother  yielded  to  his  solicitations,  and 
placed  him  under  the  care  6f  Mr.  Griscomb,  at  Burlington,  to 
acquire  the  principles  of  navigation  and  naval  tactics.  H(;  re- 
mained with  him  for  three  months,  wiien,  his  intention  for  apply- 
ing for  a  situation  in  the  navy  being  generally  known,  several  of 
the  most  distinguished  gentlemen  of  the  state  interested  them* 


Liiri  [ijiu  - 


wgt'uB.Mi 


!W^ 


liw*«i|w^^*' 


■>iHil  llripWiHIIII    HH  «\m* 


19 


/^ 


}eii)g  able  to  reward 
[ipty  applause.  Wc 
of  eulogium,  which, 
ne,  may  be  regarded 
iter  years. 
I  undertaking  to  give 
tea  and  gallant  deeds 
e  untimely  end  has 
pathies  of  his  coun- 
is  youthful  hero  has 
prevent  sober  inves- 
iD  his  victory,  before 
le  passed  before  the 
r  a  moment,  and  fall- 

1st  of  October,  1781, 
He  was  the  youngest 
nsellor  at  law  of  that 

his  mother  died,  and 
whom  he  ever  showed 
liey  took  of  bis  infant 
jf  heart  by  which  he 
dutiful  and  affection- 
;  most  gentle  and  en- 
ears  of  age  when  he 
g  life ;  but  his  father 
are  for  the  profession 
;ed  him  to  acquiesce, 
education,  at  a  gram- 
it  to  himself,  and  sat- 
fortuncs  of  bis  father 
ton,  and  between  the 

the  study  of  the  law 
,  Esq.  who  then  resid- 
ears  in  this  situauon, 
}  pursuits,  wholly  re- 
e  dry  studies  of  stat- 
and  dull  routine  of  a 
lease  an  ima^nation 
s.  and  variety  of  the 
1  his  strong  predilec- 
•creased  by  every  at- 
his  solicitations,  and 
mb,  at  Burlington,  to 
laval  tactics.  He  rc- 
is  intention  for  apply- 
illy  known,  several  of 
itate  interested  them* 


selves  in  his  behalf,  and  wrote  to  the  navy  department.  The 
succeeding  mail  brought  him  a  midshipman's  warrant ;  and  be- 
tween the  age  of  sixteen  and  seventeen  he  entered  the  service  ol 

his  country.  .....    <-■ 

His  first  cruise  was  to  the  West  Indies  in  the  ship  uangcs, 
commanded  by  captain  Thomas  Tingey.  In  this  and  several 
subsequent  cruises,  no  oiiportunity  occurred  to  call  forth  partic- 
ular services;  but  the  attention " and  intelligence  which  he  uni- 
formly displayed  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  the  correctness 
of  his  deportment,  and  the  suavity  of  his  manners,  gained  him 
the  approbation  of  his  commanders,  and  rendered  him  a  favour- 
ite with  his  associates  and  inferiors. 

When  the  war  was  declared  against  Tripoli,  he  was  promo- 
ted to  a  lieutenancy,  and  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  schoo- 
ner Enterprise.  While  in  this  command  he  volunteered  his 
services  in  the  hazardous  exploit  of  destroying  the  frigate  FM- 
adelphia,  and  accompanied  Decatur  as  his  first  lieutenant.  The 
brilliant  success  of  that  enterprise  is  well  known ;  and  for  the 
gallantry  and  skill  displayed  on  the  occasion,  Decatur  was  made 
Post  captain,  while  Lawrence,  in  common  with  the  other  officers 
and  crew,  were  voted  by  Congress  two  month's  extra  pay— a 
sordid  and  paltry  reward,  which  he  immediately  declined. 

The  harbour  of  Tripoli  appears  to  have  been  the  school  of  our 
naval  heroes.  In  tracing  thfe  histories  of  those  who  have  lately 
distinguished  thdmselves,  we  arc  always  led  to  the  coast  of  Bar- 
bary  as  the  field  of  their  first  experience  and  young  achievment. 
The  concentration  of  our  little  navy  at  this  point,  soon  after  Its 
formation,  has  had  a  happy  effect  upon  its  character  and  fortunes. 
The  officers  were  most  of  them  young  in  yeara,  and  young  in 
arms,  full  of  life,  and  spirits,  and  enthusiasm.  Such  is  the  ttme 
to  form  generous  impressions  and  strong  attachments.  It  was 
there  they  grew  together  in  habits  of  mutual  confidence  and 
friendship ;  and  to  the  noble  emulation  of  so  many  youtig  minds 
newly  entering  upon  the  adventurous  profession,  may  be  attrib- 
uted that  enterprising  spirit  and  defiance  of  danger,  that  has  ever 
since  distinguished  our  navy. 

After  continuing  in  the  Mediterranean  about  three  years  and 
a  half,  Lawrence  returned  to  the  United  States  with  Commodore 
Preble,  and  was  again  sent  out  on  that  station,  as  commander 
of  Gunboat  No.  6,  in  which  he  remained  for  sixteen  months. 
Since  that  time  he  has  acted  as  first  lieutenant  of  the  Constitution, 
and  as  commander  of  the  Vixen,  Wasp,  Argas,  and  Hornet.  In 
1808,  he  was  married  to  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Montaudevert,  a  res- 
pectable merchant  of  New  York,  to  whom  he  made  one  of  the 
kindest  and  most  affectionate  of  husbands. 

At  the  commeceqier.t  of  die  present  war  he  sailed  in  the  Hor- 
net sloop  of  war,  as  part  of  the  squadron  that  cruised  under  Com- 
modore Rogers.      While  absent  on  this  cruise,  lieutenant  Mor- 


1 


-i<MHil>*iii        ^«W'ii 


^ 


wm 


III 


yuk  was  -prwnoted  to  the  rank  of  Poat  captain,  for  bis  bravery  and 
skill  as  first  lieutenant  of  the  Constitution  in  her  action  with  the 
Guerriere.*  This  appointment,  as  it  raised  him  two  grades,  and 
placed  him  over  the  heads  of  older  officers,  gave  great  offence 
to  many'  of  the  navy,  who  could  not  brook  that  the  regular  rules 
of  the  service  shotUd  be  infringed.  It  was  thought  particularly 
unjust,  as  giving  him  rank  above  Lawrence,  who  had  equally 
distinguished  himself  as  first  lieutenant  of  Decatur  in  the  de- 
struction of  the  JPhiladeiphia,  and  who,  at  present,  was  but  mas- 
ter and  commander. 

On  returning  from  his  cruise,  captain  Lawrence,  after  consult- 
ing with  Commodores  Rogers  and  Bainbridge,  and  with  other 
experienced  gentlemen  of  the  navy,  addressed  a  memorial  to  the 
Senate,  and  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  wherein,  after 
the  fullest  acknowledgments  of  the  great  merits  and  services  of 
captain  Morris,  he  remonstrated  in  the  most  temperate  and  re- 
spectful, but  firm  and  manly  l^guage  on  the  impropriety  of  his 
promotion,  as  being  contraiy  lo  the  rules  of  naval  precedence, 
and  particularly  hanl  as  it  rdspccted  himself.  At  the  same  time, 
he  frankly  mentioned  that  he  should  be  compelled,  however  re- 
luctant, to  k^ve  the  service  if  thus  improperly  outranked. 

The  reply  of  the  Secretary  was  singularly  brief:  barely  oberv- 
ing,  that  if  he  thought  proper  to  leave  the  service  without  a  cause, 
there  would  still  remain  heroes  and  patriots  to  support  the  honour 
of  the  flag.—- There  was  a  laconic  severity  in  this  reply,  calculated 
to  cut  a  man  of  feeling  to  the  heart,  and  which  ought  not  to  have 
been  provoked  by  the  fair  and  candid,  remonstrance  of  Lawrence. 

When  men  are  fighting  for  honour  rather  than  profit,  the  ut- 
jnost  delicacy  should  be  observed  towards  their  high  toned  feel- 
ings. Those  complaints  which  spring  from  wounded  pride,  and 
the  jealousy  of  station,  should  never  be  regarded  lightly.  The 
best  soldiers  are  ever  mosj  tenacious  of  their  rank,  for  it  cannot 
be  expected,  that  he  who  hazards  every  thing  for  distinction, 
will  be  careless  of  it  after  it  ia.attained.    Fortunately,  Lawrence 


*The  Coniitttution  urived  in  Boston  on  Sunday,  the  30th  of  August,  snd 
Comniodote  Rogers'  iquwbTNt  came  into  port  tiie  next  day.  The  promo- 
tion of  Mr  Morris  was  not  tberefinc  nutoe  in  the  absence  of  Captain  Law- 
renfce  but  was  known  to  him  while  tlie  8<}uadron  lay  in  lioston  Harbour- 
Consulting  Commodores  Rogers  and  Bainbndge,  who  disapproved  of  the 
nomination  as  ruinous  to  the  Sernce-snd  as  deeply  infringing  the  ri^ts  of  the 
officers  superceded,  Captun  Lawrence  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy 
remoostrstmg  sgiunst  the  appointment,  to  which  remonstrance  he  received  a 
laconic  and  scurrilous  answer.  Indignation,  on  tlie  receipt  <4f  Hamilton's 
letter,  prompted  Ci^nain  Lawrence  to  quit  the  service  instandy,  but  strong- 
ly urged  by  his  friends  to  await  themeetin|[of  tlie  Senate  he  prepared  a  me- 
morial to  that  body  and  siuled  on  his  cruise  before  the  Senate  conyened. 
This  nMmorial,  tiogether  with  his  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  and 
Hamilton's  answer,  were  published  by  a  friend,  to  whose  discretion  copies 
were  confided,  in  the  Boston  papers,  about  a  month  after  the  Hornet  saUed. 


«.-_  .  -  .    ->Ht,^JMWfl 


**fM«MMliMta««p|Mt|4^^ 


ijtWh  |i;fin»iH*<i 


-  ^WHill^p*!— W>w**' 


fV 


tl 


br  his  bravery  and 
ler  action  with  the 
ioi  two  grades,  and 
gave  great  offence 
It  the  regular  rules 
hougbt  particularly 
who  had  equally 
Decatur  in  the  de- 
Bsent,  was  but  mas- 

rence,  after  consult- 
Ifce,  and  with  other 
d  a  memorial  to  the 
Ifavy,  wherein,  after 
erits  and  services  of 
t  temperate  and  re* 
:  impropriety  of  his 
if  naval  precedence^ 
At  the  same  time, 
ipelled,  however  re- 
ly outranked, 
brief:  barely  oberv- 
Tice  without  a  cause, 

0  support  the  honour 
this  reply,  calculated 
cb  ought  not  to  have 
strance  of  Lawrence. 
:r  than  profit,  the  uti- 
beir  high  toned  feel- 

1  wounded  pride,  and 
;arded  lightly.  The 
ir  rank,  for  it  cannot 
hing  {or  distinction, 
trtunately,  Lawrence 


the  30th  of  August,  and 
next  day.  The  promo. 
iMcnce  of  C^>tain  L«w- 
1  lay  in  Uoaton  Harbour* 
i^ho  disapproved  of  the 
t'nnging  the  ririits  of  the 
le  SecreUry  of  the  Navy 
nonstrance  he  received  a 
i  receipt  of  Hamilton's 
ice  instandyi  but  itrong- 
ienatehe  prepared  a  me- 
«  the  Senate  convened, 
petary  of  the  Navy,  and 
whose  discretion  copies 
after  the  Hornet  sailed. 


lud  again  departed  on  a  cruise  before  this  letter  arrived,  which 
otherwise  might  have  driven  from  the  service  one  of  our  most 
meritorious  officers. 

This  second  cruise  was  in  company  with  Commodore  Bain- 
bridge,  who  command;«d  the  Constitution.  While  cruising  off 
the  Brazils,  they  fell  in  with  the  Bonne  Citoycnne,  a  British  ship 
of  war,  having  on  board  a  larg^  amount  in  specie,  and  chased 
her  into  St.  balvadore.  Notwithstanding  that  she  was  a  larger 
vessel,  and  of  a  greater  force  in  guns  and  men  thtot  the  Hornet) 
yet  Captain  Lawrence  sent  a  challenge  to  her  commander,  Ci,p- 
tain  Gi-een,  pledging-his  honour  that  neither  the  Constitution  nor 
any  other  American  vessel  should  interfere.  Commodore  Bain« 
bridge  made  a  similar  pledge  on  his  own  part ;  but  the  Britisfai 
cotitmander  declined  tiie  combat,  alledging,  that  though  perfectly 
satisfied  that  the  event  of  such  a  rencounter  would  be  favourablv' 
to  his  ship ;  "  yet  he  was  equally  convinced  that  Commodore  Bain- 
bridge  could  not  swerve  so  much  from  the  paramount  duty  he 
owed  his  country,  as  to  become  an  inactive  spectator,  and  see  a 
ship  belonging  to  the  very  squadron  under  his  orders,  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy." 

To  make  him  ea^  on  this  point.  Commodore  Bainbridge  left 
the  Hornet  four  days  together  off  the  harbour  in  which  the  Bonne 
Citoyenne  laid,  from  which  she  could  discover  th<it  he  was  not 
within  forty  miles  of  it.  He  afterwards  went  into  tiie  harbour, 
and  remained  there  three  days,where  he  might,  at  any  time,  have 
been  detained  twenty-four  hours,  at  the  request  of  Captain  Green, 
if  disposed  to  <x>mbat  the  Hornet.  At  length  the  Constitution 
went  off  altogether,  leaving  Lawrence  to  blockade  the  Bonne 
Citoyenne,  which  he  did  for  nearly  a  month,  Captain  Green  not 
thinking  proper  to  risk  an  encounter.  It  is  posuble,  that  having 
an  important  public  trvt  in  charge,  and  sailing  under  particular 
oi-ders,  he  did  not  think  himself  authorized  to  depart  from  thr 
purpose  of  Jiis  voyage,  and  risk  hia  vessel  in  a  contest  for  mere 
individual  reputation.  But  if  sucl^were  his  reasons,  he  should 
have  stated  them  when  he  refused  to  accept  the  challenge. 

On  the  34th  of  January,  Captain  Lawrence  was  obliged  to  shift 
his  cruising  ground,  by  the  arrival  of  the  Momague  74,  which 
had  sailed  from  Rio  Janeiro  for  the  express  purpose  of  relieving 
the  Bonne  Citoyenne  and  a  British  Packet  of  twelve  guns,  which 
likewise  lay  at  St.  Salvadore.  At  length,  on  the  morning ef  the- 
24th  of  February,  when  ciiiising  of  Demarara,  the  Hornet  fell 
in  with  thf)  British  brig  Peacock,  Captain  Peakc,  a  vessel  of 
about  equal  force.  The  contest  commenced  within  half  pistol 
shot,  and  so  tremendous  was  the  fire  of  the  Americans,  tluit 
in  less  than  fifteen  minutes  the  enemy  surrendered,  and  made 
signal  of  distress,  being  iu  a  sinking  condition.  Her  mainmast 
shortly  went  by  the  board,  and  she  was  left  such  an  absolute  wreck, 
that,  notwithstanding  every  exertion  was  msdq  to  keep  her  afloat 


I ■ri<i>iiipii<Miij>i'«fWl!tiiWini|l*iiNV«"'ii""i'V     '  *  ■^ " 


H*wW>W«M«tP 


iMb.^^....^:..'-^ 


'•'1i 


82 


until  the  prisoners  cculd  be  removed,  she  sunk  with  thirteen  nC 
her  crew,  and  three  brave  American  tars,  who  tliiiv  nobly  perish- 
ed in  relieving  a  conquered  foe.  The  slaughter  on  boanl  of  the 
Peacock  was  very  severe ;  among  the  slain  was  found  the  body  of 
her  commander,  CHptain  Peake.  He  wui.  twice  wounded  in  the 
course  of  the  actioii ;  the  last  wound  proved  fatal.  His  body  was 
wrapt  in  the  flag  of  his  vessel,  and  laid  in  the  cabin  to  sink  with 
her,  a  shroud  and  sepulchre  worthy  so  bravtf  a  sailor. 

During  the  battle,  the  British  brig  L'Espeigle,  mounting  fif- 
teen two-and-thirty  pound  carronades  and  two  long  nines,  lay  at 
anchor  about  six  miles  in  shore.  Being  apprehensive  that  she 
would  beat  out  to  the  assistance  of  her  consort,  the  utmost  exer- 
tions were  made  to  put  the  Hornet  in  a  situation  for  action,  and 
in  about  three  hours  she  was  in  complete  preparation,  but  the 
enemy  did  not  think  proper  to  make  an  attack. 

The  conduct  of  Lawrence  towards  his  prisoners  was  such,  as, 
we  are  proud  to  say,  has  uniformly  characterised  the  officers  of 
our  navy.  They  have  ever  displayed  the  liberality  and  scrupu- 
lous delicacy  of  generous  minds  towards  those  whom  the  fortune 
of  war  has  thrown  in  their  power ;  and  thus  have  won,  by  their 
magnanimity,  those  whom  they  have  conquered  by  their  valour. 
The  officers  of  the  Peacock  were  so  affected  by  the  treatment 
they  received  from  Captain  Lawrence,  that  on  their  a^Vrival  at 
New-York,  they  made  a  grateful  acknowledgment  in  the  public 
papers.  To  use  their  own  expressive  phrase,  « they  ceased  to 
consider  themselves  prisoners."  Nor  must  we  omit  to  mention 
a  circumstance  highly  to  the  honour  of  the  brave  tars  of  the 
Hornet.  Finding  that  crew  of  the  Peacock  had  lost  all  their 
clothing  by  the  sudden  sinking  of  the  vessel,  they  made  a  sub- 
scription»  and  from  their  own  wardrobes  supplied  each  man  with 
two  shirts,  and  a  blue  jacket  and  trowsers.  Such  may  rough 
sailors  be  made,  when  they  have  before  them  the  ekemple  of 
high-minded  men.  They  are  heinous  of  but  little  reflection,  open 
to  the  impdlse  and  excitement  of  the  moment ;  and  it  depends, 
in  a  great  measure  upon  their  oflicers,  whether,  under  a  Lawrence, 
they  shall  ennoble  themselves  by  |,enerous  actions,  or,  under  a 
Cockburn,  be  hurried  away  into  scenes  of  unpremeditated  atro- 
city. 

On  returning  to  this  country  Captam  Lawrence  was  received 
with  great  distinction  and  applause,  and  various  public  bodies 
conferred  on  him  peculiar  tokens  of  approbation.  While  absent, 
the  rank  of  Post  Captain  had  been  conferred  on  him,  and  shortly 
afte^  bis  return;  he  received  a  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the 
Navy,  offering  him  the  conimand  of  the  frigate  Constitution,  pro- 
vided neither  Captains  Porter  or  Evans  applied  for  it,  they  beuig 
older  ofiicers.  Captain  Lawrence  respectfully  decl'.ncd  this  con- 
ditional appointment,  for  satiiifuctory  reasons  which  he  stated  to 
the  Secretary.     Jt(c  then  received  an  unconditional  appointment 


iij  HI  >*ii 


w^ftr^^ym/mf^rmmirm* 


29 


nk  with  thirteen  or 
9  tliut  nobljr  perish- 
hter  on  boanl  of  the 
Rs  found  the  body  of 
ice  wounded  in  the 
'etal.  His  body  was 
cabin  to  sink  Tiith 
a  sailor.  * 

eigle,  mounting  fif- 
fo  long  nines,  lay  at 
prehensive  that  she 
rt,  the  utmost  exer- 
ation  for  action,  and 
preparation,  but  the 
:k. 

soners  was  such,  as, 
srised  the  oflicers  of 
berality  and  scrupu- 
ie  whom  the  fortune 
I  have  won,  by  their 
ered  by  their  valour, 
ted  by  the  treatment 
t  on  their  iiVrival  at 
Igmcnt  in  the  public 
&se,  «  they  ceased  to 
we  omit  to  mention 
ie  brave  tars  of  the 
:k  had  lost  all  their 
lel,  they  made  a  sub- 
•plied  each  man  with 
s.  Such  may  rough 
hem  the  ek«mpleof 
little  reflection,  open 
ent ;  and  it  depends, 
er,  under  a  Lawrence, 
i  actions,  or,  under  a 
inpremeditated  atrb* 

vrence  was  received 
irious  public  bodies 
tion.  While  absent, 
1  on  him,  and  shortly 
the  Secretary  of  the 
ate  Constitution,  pro- 
lied  for  it,  they  being 
liy  declined  this  con> 
i  which  he  stated  to 
iditional  appointnient 


to  that  frignte,  and  directions  to  superintend  the  navy  yard  at 
New-York  in  the  absence  of  Captain  Ludk)w,  The  next  day,  to 
his  great  surprise  and  chagrin,  ho  received  counter  orders,  with 
instructions  to  take  command  of  the  frigate  Chesapeake,  then 
lying  at  Boston,  nearly  ready  for  scu.  This  appointment  was 
particularly  disagreeable  to  him.  He  wot  prejudiced  against  the 
Chesapeake,  both  from  her  being  considered  the  worst  ship  in 
our  navy,  and  from  having  been  in  a  manner  disgraced  in  the 
ttfikiir  with  the  Leopard.  This  last  circumstance  hud  acquired 
her  the  character  of  an  unlucky  ship— the  worst  of  stigmas  among 
sailors,  who  are  devout  believers  in  good  and  bad  luck  ;  and  so 
detrimental  was  it  to  this  vessel,  that  it  has  been  found  diificult  to 
recruit  crews  for  her. 

The  extreme  repugnance  that  Captain  Lawrence  felt  to  thi» 
appointment  induced  him  to  write  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
requesting  to  be  continued  in  the  command  of  the  Hornet.  Be« 
sides,  it  was  his  wish  to  remain  some  short  time  in  port,  and 
enjoy  a  little  repose  in  the  bosom  of  his  family ;  particularly  a» 
his  wife  was  in  tliat  delicate  situation  that  most  calls  forth  the 
tenderness  and  solicitude  of  an  afiectionate  husband.  But  tiiough 
he  wrote  four  letters  successively  to  the  Secretary,  he  never 
received  an  answer,  and  was  obliged  reluctantly  to  acquiesce. 

While  lying  in  Boston  Roads,  nearly  ready  for  sea,  the  British 
frigate  Shannon  oppcared  off  the  harbour,  and  made  signals  ex 
pressive  of  a  challenge.  The  brave  Lawrence  immediateljr 
determined  on  accepting  it,  though  conscious  at  the  time  of  the 
Hjreat  disparity  between  the  two  ships.  The  Shannon  was  a 
prime  vessel,  equipped  in  an  extraonlinury  manner,  for  the  ex« 
press  purpose  of  combatting  advantageously  one  of  our  largest 
frigates.  She  had  an  unusually  numerous  crew  of  picked  men, 
thoroughly  disciplined  and  well  officered.  She  was  commanded 
by  Captain  Broke,  one  of  the  bravest  and  ablest  officers  in  the 
service,  who  fought  merely  for  reputation. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  Chesapeake  was  an  indifferent  ship ; 
witli  a  crew,  a  great  part  of  whom  were  newly  recruited,  and  not 
brought  into  proper  discipline.*  They  were  strangers  to  their 
commander,  who  had  not  had  time  to  produce  that  perfect  sub- 
ordination, yet  strong  personal  attachment,  which  he  had  the  talent 
of  creating  wherever  he  commanded.  His  first  Lieutenant  was 
sick  oU' shore ;  the  other  officers,  though  meritorious  were  young 
men ;  two  of  them  mere  acting  Lieutenants ;'  most  of  them  re- 

*  The  m^  were  recruited  in  the  precedinf^p  autumn,  and  were  enlisted  for 
two  years.  They  bad  generally  been  in  the  last  five  AJonths'  cruise  witli 
Captain  Evans.  A  few  onlv  had  been  newly  recruiied  and  the  mon  were  as 
w«ll  trained  and  disciplineu  as  it  was  possible  for  men  to  be  on  l>oaid  a  ship 
lyinp  in  port.  Two  acting  lieutenants, 'Cdx  and  Ballard  had  been  appointed 
to  the  ship  after  C»>)t«n  Lawrence  took  couimand  of  her.  Messrs.  Ludlow 
and  Budd  were  in  tier  during  the  previous  cruise. 


liii! 


c^ntly  appointed  to  the  ship,  and  unacquainted  with  the  ill^n. 
Those  who  are  in  the  least  informed  in  nautical  affairs,  must 
perceive  the  greatness  of  theite  disadvantages. 

The  most  earnest  endeavours  were  used  bjr  Commodore  Bain- 
bridge  and  other  gentlemen  of  nice  honour  and  sound  experience, 
to  dissuade  (Captain  Lawrence  from  what  was  considered  a  rash 
and  unnecessary  exposure.*  He  felt  and  acknowledged  the  force 
of  their  reasons,  but  persisted  in  his  deterntination.  He  was 
peculiarly  situated  i  he  had  formerly  challenged  the  Bonne  Cit> 
oyenne,  and  should  he  decline  a  similar  challenge,  it  might  sub- 
ject him  to  sneers  and  misrepresentations.  Ainong  the  other 
unfortuttate  circumstances  that  attended  this  ill-starred  battle, 
was  the  delay  of  a  written  challenge  from  Captain  Broke,  which 
did  not  arrive  until  after  Captain  Lawrence  had  sailed.  It  is 
stated  to  have  been  couched  in  the  most  frank  and  courteous 
language ;  n^inutely  detailing  the  force  of  his  ship ;  and  offering, 
if  the  Chesapeake  should  not  be  completely  prepared,  to  cruise 
off'  and  on  until  such  time  as  she  made  a  specified  signal  of  being 
ready  for  the  conflict. t— It  is  to  be  deeply  regretted  that  Captain 
Lawrence  did  not  receive  this  gallant  challenge,  as  it  would  have 
^ven  him  tim»^to  put  his  ship  in  proper  order,  and  spared  hint 
the  necessity  of  hurrying  out  in  his  unprepared  condition,  to  so 
formal  and  momentous  an  encounter. 

After  getting  the  ship  under  vny,  he  called  the  crew  together, 
and  having  ordered  the  white  flag  to  be  hoisted,  bearing  the 
motto,  **  Free  trade  and  sailors'  rights,"  he,  according  to  custom, 
made  them  a  short  harangue.  While  he  was  speaking,  several 
murmurs  were  heard,  and  stronp:  symptoms  of  dissatisbction  ap- 
peared in  the  manners  and  countenandes  of  the  crew.  After  he 
had  finished,  a  scoundrel  Portuguese,  who  was  boatswain's  mete, 
and  acted  as  spokesman  to  the  murmurers,  replied  to  Captain 
Lawrence  in  an  insolent  manner,  complaining  among  other  things, 
that  they  bad  not  been  paid  their  prize  money,  which  had  been 
due  fnr  some  time  past.| 

The  critical  nature  of  the  moment,  and  his  ignorance  of  the 
dispositions  and  characters  of  his  crew,  would  not  allow  Captain 


*  Nothing  can  be  wider  from  the  truth  than  tbi<  declaration.  Nekber 
Captain  Lawrence  nor  any  of  hia  officers  had  any  communication  with  the 
shore  after  the  colours  of  the  Shannon  were  displayed ;  and  Commodore 
Bainhn()ge  has  onall  occasions,  decidedly  approvca  the  conduct  of  our  fpil' 
liuit  commander,  and  would  have  advised  to  his  going  out  had  he  been  con- 
sulted.    But  l^iwqsnce's  gallantry  anticipated  any  interference. 

f  The  character  on  this  challense,  may  be  more  correctly  leamt  fsom  the 
comments  on  the  action,  which  talu>w  lieutenant  Oudd's  letter,  and  are  writ- 
ten by  a  gentleman  having  access  to  the  most  authentic  infermation. 

#'The  men  did  net  murmur  while  Capt&in  I^Awrence  was  addressing  them. 
When  he  had  finished,  they  did  not  cheer,  but  no  direct  reply  was  made. 
Discontent  res|)ecting  tl«e  prize-money  of  the  former  cruise  w»8,  however, 
sufficiently  obvious. 


■HI»>WJi« 


—mm 


ited  with  the  men. 
lulioal  affair*,  must 

f  Commodore  Bain- 
d  touitd  experience, 
It  contiderisd  a  rash 
lowledged  the  force 
ntinatlon.  He  was 
g^d  the  bonno  Cit- 
lenge,  it  might  sub- 

A^nong  the  other 
is  ill'Starred  battle, 
iptain  Broke,  which 

had  sailet!.     It  is 

ank  and  courteous 

ship;  and  offering, 

prepared,  to  cruise 

ciHed  signal  of  being 

sgretted  that  Captain 

ige,  as  it  would  have 

der,  and  spared  him 

ared  condition,  to  so 

id  the  crew  together, 
hoisted,  bearing  the 
according  to  custom, 
nras  speaking,  seTeral 
I  of  diBsatisbcdon  ap< 
the  crew.  After  he 
r«8  boatswain**  mate, 
■s,  replied  to  Captain 
V  among  other  thmgt, 
•ney,  which  had  been 

hi»  i((norance  of  the 
iild  not  allow  Captain 

li*  declaration.  Neither 
'  oommunicstion  with  the 
played  i  and  Commodore 
A  the  conduct  of  our  gal- 
ling out  had  he  been  con- 
interfercncc. 
correctly  kamt  from  tlie 
udd's  letter,  and  are  writ- 
lentic  information, 
nee  vn»  addressing  them. 
>  direct  reply  was  made, 
icr  crube  V9»,  however, 


Lawrence  to  notice  such  dastardly  and  mutinous  conduct  in  the 
manner  it  deserved. — He  dared  not  thwurt  the  humours  of 
men,  over  whose  affections  he  hud  not  hud  time  to  acquire  any 
influence,  and  therefore  ordered  the  purser  to  take  them  below 
and  Kive  them  ciiccks  for  their  prize  money,  which  was  uccor- 
dinRljrdone. 

We  dwell  on  these  particulars  to  show  t!»e  disastrous  and  tils- 
hcurtening  circumstunccs  tmder  which  Captaih  Lawrence  wont 
forth  to  this  battle— circuinstances  which  shook  even  his  calm 
and  manly  breast,  and  filled  him  with  a  despondency  unusual  to 
his  nature.*  Justice  to  the  memory  of  this  invaluable  oftker,  re- 
quires that  the  disadvantajjos  under  whicli  ho  fought  should  bo 
made  public.f 

It  was  on  the  morning  of  the  first  of  Juno  that  the  Chesapeake 
put  to  sea.  The  Shannon  on  seeing  her  come  out,  bore  awuy,  and 
the  other  followed.  At  4  P.M.  the  Chesapeake  haled  upand  fired 
a|;un ;  the  Shannon  then  hove  to.  The  vessels  manoeuvred  in 
awful  silence,  until  within  pistol  shot,  when  the  Shannon  opened 
her  file,  and  Inith  vessels  almost  at  the  same  moment  poured 
forth  tremendous  broadsides.  The  execution  in  both  ships  WvJi 
terrible,  but  the  fire  of  thfr  Shannon  was  pcculiariy  fatal,  not  only 
making  great  slaughter  among  the  men,  but  cutting  down  some 
of  the  most  valuable  officeis.  The  very  first  shot  killed  Mr. 
White,  Sailing  master  of  the  Chesapeake,  an  excellent  officer, 
whose  loss  at  such  a  moment  was  disastrous  in  the  extreme.  The 
fourth  Lieutenant,  Mr.  Ballard,  received  also  a  mortal  wound  in 
this  broadside,  and  at  the  same  moment  Captain  Lawrence  was 
shot  through  the  leg  with  a  musket  ball ;  he  however  supported 
himself  on  the  companion  way,  and  continued  to  give  his  orders 
with  his  usual  coolness.  About  three  broadsides  were  exchanged, 
which,  from  the  closeness  of  the  ships,  were  dreadfully  destruct- 
ive._The  Chesapeake  had  three  men  shot  from  her  helm  sue 
cessively,each  taking  it  as  the  other  fell ;  this  of  course  produced 
irregularity  in  the  steering,  and  the  consequence  was,  that  her 
anchor  caught  in  one  of  the  Shannon's  after  ports,  t  She  was  thus 
in  a  position  where  her  guns  could  not  be  bniught  to  bear  upon 
the  enemy,  while  the  latter  was  enabled  to  fire  raking  shots  from 
her  foremost  guns,  which  swept  the  upper  decks  of  the  Chesa- 
peake, killing  or  wounding  the  greater  portion  of  the  men.     A 

•  He  vas  cheerful  and  tranquil,  unmoved  and  undisturbed,  during  tl.* 
whole  of  the  day »  and  went  into  battle  with  perfect  coobicas,  and  with  great 
•onfidence  of  success. 

t  Th^paftieularsof  this  action  are  chiefly  given  from  a  conversation  with 
one  of  the  officers  of  the  Chesapeake  j  ami  we  believe  may  be  relied  on  u 
authentic Ma.  Ibvihb. 

♦  The  difficulty  in  steering  the  ship  was  much  more  occasioned  by  the 
fore-sails  being  dSsablcd,  on  which  account  she  would  not  feel  her  helm,  than 
by  the  loss  ot  the  hehnsmcn. 

■  4  ,  •■ 


99 

hand  grciimle  wus  ihrown  on  the  quarter  docki  wK>'-h  act  fire  to 
»ome  mutkct  cartridges,  bul  did  no  othei  damr^e. 

In  tliU  state  of  Ciunage  and  exposuro  i-'jout  twenty  of  the 
Shannon's  men  seeing  a  favourable  .  pportunity  for  Ixwrding, 
without  waiting  for  orders,  jumped  on  the  «;ccW  of  liicClicsupcukc* 
Captain  Lawrence  had  scarce  time  to  call  !  's  l)oiirder8,  when  hn 
received  a  second  and  mortal  wound  from  a  musket  ball,  which 

lodged  in  his  Intestines Lieutenant  Cox,  who  con\manded  the 

second  division,  rushed  up  at  the  call  for  the  boarders,  but  came 
just  in  time  to  receive  his  fulling  commander,  lie  was  in  the 
act  of  carrying  him  below,  when  Captain  Broke,  accompanied  l>y 
his  first  Lieutenant,  and  followed  by  his  regular  boardeis,  ni 
on  board  the  Chesapeake.  The  brave  Lawrence  saw  'le  .  i- 
whelming  danger ;  his  last  words,  as  he  was  borne  blcf-air.g  fium 
the  deck,  were,  "  don't  surrender  the  ship  !" 

Samuel  Livermorc,  Esq.  of  Boston,  who  fron   i->prsonal  atu  ii- 
ment  to  Captain  Lawrence  had  acctmpan.ed  ^  this  cruise 

as  chaplain,  attempted  to  revenge  his  fall,     n     a.,o(  at  Captai  i 
Broke,  but  missed  him  i  the  latter  nut'  •  a  cut  at  tils  head  whic'i 
Livcrmore  warded  oft",  but  In  so  doing  received  a  sev!  ro  wound 
in  the  arm.     The  only  officer  thai  mow  remained  on  the  upper 
deck  was  Lieutenant  Ludlow,  who  was  so  entirely  weakencil  and 
disabled  by  repeatr  J  wounds,  received  early  in  the  action,  as  to 
be  incapable  ol  personal  resistance.f     The  comparatively  small 
number  of  nion,  therefore,  that  survived  on  the  upper  decks, 
having  no  officer  to  head  them,  the  British  succeeded  in  securing 
complete  possesrion,  before  those  from  below  could  get  up. 
Lieutenant  Budd,  who  had  commanded  the  first  dl  .ision  below, 
>)(  'ng  informed  of  the  danger,  hastened  up  with  some  men,  but 
ivas  overpowercU  by  superior  numbers  and  cut  down  immediately. 
Great  embarrassment  took  place,  in  consequence  of  the  officers 
bc.iig  unacquainted  with  the  crew.    In  one  instance  in  particular, 
Lieutenant  Cox,  on  mounting  the  deck,  joined  a  party  of  the  en- 
emy through  mistake,  and  was  made  sensible  of  his  error  by 
their  cutt'mg  at  him  with  their  sabres. 

While  this  scene  of  havoc  and  contusion  was  going  on  above, 
Captidn  Lawrence,  who  was  laying  in  the  wardroom,  in  excruciat- 
ing pain,  hearing  the  firing  cease,  forgot  the  anguish  of  his 
wounds :  having  no  officer  near  him,  he  ordered  the  Surgeon  to 
hasten  on  deck  and  tell  the  officers  to  fight  on  to  the  last,  and 
never  to  strike  the  colours ;  adding,  « they  shall  wave  while  I 
live."    The  fate  of  the  battle  however  was  decided. — Finding  all 

•  Commodore  Broke  leu  Ui-^  i.  iii  '-wenty  men  who  boardct  ?'  jm  the 

Shannon.  . 

f  Lieutenant  Ludlow,  nen  Captain  uiwreace  received  o« 

fatiJ  wound,  wm  incapaj.>  ,.i  command,  having  been  previously  wounded. 
When  Captain  Lawrence  was  taken  below,  Ludlow  ruMied  into  the  battle, 
uid  was  cut  down  sometime  before  Uie  fight  waa  done.     , 


I 


■f>fc*«>-iim>'ii 


PMk 


I  wK"-l.  set  fire  to 
n'-ft-e. 

juut  twenty  o{  the 
unity  for  bourtling, 
oftlieClicsupcukc* 

Imtirders,  when  hn 

musket  bull,  which 
ho  coniniunded  the 

xmi'dcrfi,  but  came 
Ho  WU8  in  the 
ike,  Bccontpanied  l-v 
lur  boardeis,  (.p:nr<,'' 
rence  saw  'le  >  ..  i> 
borne  bicr  '  i  g  f,  j|,^ 

•on   iMTsonal  ntu  n- 

y  this  cruisr 

n     siiOt  at  Capisi  I 

It  at  liis  head;  vh\c\ 

ived  a  bev^rn  wuuiid 

tained  on  the  upper 

uirely  weakencil  and 

f  in  the  action,  us  to 

comyiaratively  small 

an  the  upper  decks, 

ucceeded  in  securing 

telow  could  get  up. 

I  first  di  .-ision  belovt, 
with  some  men,  but 

ut  down  immediately, 
uence  of  the  officers 
instance  in  particular, 
led  a  party  of  the  en- 
sible  of  his  error  by 

was  going  on  above, 
rdroom,in  cxcruciat- 

the  anguish  of  his 
dered  the  Surgeon  to 
It  on  to  the  lastt  and 
V  shall  wave  while  I 
lecided. — Finding  all 

who  boarde<(  V.  jjn  the 

II  >  tAwrence  received  bit 
«n  pKviouily  wounded, 
r  ruMicd  into  the  baUle, 
[one.   ■ 


m 


further  resistance  vain,  aiu!  >  m«r»i|iMll*r'i'^,  Lieutenant  Lud- 
low gave  up  the  ship  ;•  after  whirh  hts  r«cel  '  a  subro  wound  in 
the  head  from  one  <  f  the  S    ,i  crew,  xrhich  IrHclutcd  his 

ikull  and  ultimately  piuved  moriul.  He  w  <<  one  of  the  most 
promising  officers  of  his  age  in  the  service,  In^'ily  esteemed  for 
liiit  profcssiotiul  talents,  and  beloved  for  the  geno  "  r|uaUtic* 
'.hut  adorned  bin  private  character. 

Thus  terminated  one  of  the  most  remai '  ')le  combnts  on  naval 
record.  From  the  peculiar  accidents  that  ended  i(,  lie  battle 
was  short,  desperate  and  bloody.  So  lon({  s  the  can  onading 
continued,  the  Chesapeake  is  said  to  have  clc  bud  tht  ndvant* 
a^^c  ;  and  had  the  ships  not  run  foul,  it  is  pi  .ilde  she  would 
have  captured  the  Shannon.— .Though  considirably  dauMi^cd  in 
her  upper  works,  and  pierced  with  some  shot-holes  in  her  hull, 
yet  she  hud  sustained  no  injury  to  affect  her  safety  ;  ^^^-herca^  lie 
Shannon  hud  received  several  shots  between  wind  uik  >vatei .  imd, 
ri  iscfiucntly,  could  not  have  sustained  the  action  iig.  Tho 
havoc  on  both  sides  was  dreadful ;  but  to  the  singular  circum* 
stance  of  having  every  officer  on  the  upper  deck  cithc  r  I  lied  or 
wounded,  early  in  tho  action,  may  chiefly  be  attribute<l  lie  loss  < 
of  the  Chesapeake. 

There  have  been  various  vague  complaints  circulated  f  the 
excesses  of  the  victors,  and  of  their  treatment  of  our  err  ■■-  after 
the  surrender.  These  have  been,  as  usual,  dwelt  on  and  ii  ^pn- 
fied,  and  made  subjects  of  national  aspersion.  Not.iingc  n  be 
more  illiberal  than  this.  Where  the  scene  of  conflict  is  turn  <Uu< 
ous  and  sanguinary,  and  the  struggle  desperate  as  in  the  boai  ing 
of  a  ship,  excesses  will  take  place  by  the  men,  which  it  is  ini  '>s« 
sible  to  prevent.  They  are  the  inevitable  incidents  of  war,  id 
should  never  bo  held  up  to  provoke  national  abhorrence  or  rcta,  a* 
tion.  Indeed,  they  are  so  liable  to  be  misrepresented  by  partial  &  d 
distorted  accounts,  that  very  little  faith  is  ever  to  be  placed  in  thet'  >. 
Such,  for  instance,  is  the  report,  that  the  enemy  discharged  sc  • 
eral  muskets  into  the  cockpit  after  the  ship  had  been  given  U|  . 
This,  in  fact,  was  provoked  by  the  wanton  act  of  a  boy  below,  wh  ) 
shot  down  the  sentinel  stationed  at  the  gangway,  and  thus  produ- 
ced a  momentary  exasperation,  and  an  alarm  that  our  men  were  ris- 
ing. It  should  be  recollected,  likewise,  that  our  flag  was  not 
struck,  but  was  haled  down  by  the  enemy ;  consequently,  the 
surrender  of  the  ship  was  not  immediately  known  throughout, 
Md  the  struggle  continued  in  various  places,  before  the  proper 
orders  could  be  communicated.  It  js  wearisome  and  disgusting 
to  observe  the  war  of  slander  kept  up  by  the  little  minds  of  both 
countries,  wherein  every  paltry  misdeed  of  a  paltry  individual  is 
insidiously  trumpeted  forth  as  a  stigma  on  the  respective  nations. 

•  The  stiip  was  never  surrendered.  There  was  no  act  of  submission  on 
uur  part,  other  Uiaii  being  oveq)owered  by  aupeiior  force. 


immm0m^mm>'''m9wm 


28 


By  these  means  are  engendered  lasting  roots  of  bitterness,  that 
give  an  implacable  spirit  to  the  actual  hostility  of  the  times,  and 
will  remain  after  the  present  strife  shall  have  passed  away.  As 
the  nations  must  inevitably,  and  at  no  very  distant  period,  come 
once  more  together  in  the  relations  of  amity  and  commerce,  it  is 
to  be  wished  that  as  little  private  animosity  may  be  encouraged 
as  possible  ;  so  that  though  we  may  contend  for  rights  and  inter- 
ests, we  may  never  cease  to  esteem  and  respect  each  other. 

The  two  ships  presented  dismal  spectacles  after  the  battle. 
Crowded  with  the  wounded  and  the  dying,  they  resembled  float- 
ing hospitals  sending  forth  groans  at  every  roll.  The  brave 
Broke  lay  delirious  from  a  wound  in  the  head  which  he  is  said  to 
have  received,  while  endeavouring  to  prevent  the  slaughter  of 
some  of  our  men  who  had  surrendered.  In  his  rational  inter- 
vals he  always  spoke  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  courage  and 
skill  of  Lawrence,  and  of  "  the  gallant  and  masterly  style"  in 
which  he  brought  the  Chesapeake  into  action.* 

The  wounds  of  captain  Lawrence  rendered  it  impossible  to  re- 
move him  after  the  battle,  and  his  cabin  being  very  much  sli  »t- 
tcred,  he  remained  in  the  ward  room.  Here  he  lay,  attended  by 
his  own  surgeon,  and  sufrounded  by  his  brave  and  sufTei  ing  offi- 
cers. He  made  no  comment  on  the  battle,  nor  indeed  was  heard 
to  utter  a  word,  except  to  make  such  simple  requests  as  his  ne- 
cessities required.  In  this  way  he  lingered  through  four  days 
in  extreme  bodily  pain,  and  the  silent  melancholy  of  a  proud  and 
noble  heart,  and  then  expired.  His  body  was  wrapped  in  the 
colours  of  his  ship  and  laid  on  the  quarter  deck  of  the  Chesa- 
peake, to  be  conveyed  to  Halifax  for  interment. 

At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  but  thirty-two  years  of  age, 
nearly  sixteen  of  which  he  had  honourably  expended  in  the  ser- 
vice of  his  country.  He  was  a  disciplinarian  of  the  highest  order, 
producing  perfect  obedience  and  subordination  without  severity. 
His  men  became  zealously  devoted  to  him,  and  ready  to  do, 
through  affection,  what  severity  would  never  have  compelled. 
He  was  scrupulously  correct  in  his  principles,  deliomte  in  his 
sense  of  honour ;  and  to  his  extreme  jealousy  of  repuUtion  he 
fell  a  victim,  in  daring  an  ill-matched  encounter,  which  prudence 
would  have  justified  him  in  declining.  In  battle,  where  his  lofty 
^   and  Commanding  person  made  him  conspicuous,  the  calm  coUect- 

•  Broke  was  wounded  soon  «fter  boardin)^  by  one  of  our  men,  and  ioroc 
minutes  before  the  sliip  was  carried  ;  but  it  is  due  to  this  gallant  Irishman 
to  state,  that  when  he  perceived  the  victory  was  won,  while  stretched  upon 
the  deck  and  weUering  in  his  blood,  he  issued  his  orders  to  abstain  from 
further  carnage,  which  were  but  ill  obeyed.  He  was  soon  delirious,  and  no 
officer  from  Halifax  lias  mentioned  any  observation  of  his  relative  to  the  bat- 
tie.  It  was  liowever  genemlly  agreed  at  Halifax,  that  the  Chesapeake  was 
led  most  gallantly  into  action,  and  skilfully  and  desperately  fought,  as  long 
RS  Lawrence  commanded. 


'■II  ■  >\;  I  [»p»rw<!W>ti>»-- 


■ynmi'li|iitii.»w-'|' 


29 


s  of  bitterness,  that 

ty  of  the  times,  and 

e  passed  away.     As 

slant  period,  come 

and  commerce,  it  is 

may  be  encouraged 

for  rights  and  inter- 

pect  each  other. 

les  after  the  battle. 

they  resembled  float- 

ry   roll.     The  brave 

d  which  he  is  said  to 

MU  the  slaughter  of 

In  his  rational  inter- 

of  the  courage  and 

d  masterly  style"  in 

)n.* 

ed  it  impossible  to  re- 
>eing  very  much  slrU- 
re  he  lay,  attended  hy 
ave  and  suffering  offi- 
nor  indeed  was  lieard 
)Ie  requests  as  his  ne- 
[id  through  four  days 
uicholy  of  a  proud  and 
1/  was  wrapped  in  the 
:r  deck  of  the  Chesa- 
mcnt. 

»irty-two  years  of  age, 
y  expended  in  the  ser- 
in of  the  highest  order, 
lation  without  severity. 
Iihn,  and  ready  to  do, 
lever  have  compelled, 
iciples,  delicate  in  his 
lousy  of  reputation  be 
unter,  which  prudence 
I  battle,  where  his  lofty 
cuous,  the  calm  collect- 
one  of  our  men,  and  (one 
ue  to  this  gallant  IrishniMi 
won,  while  stretched  upon 
his  orders  to  abstain  from 
was  soon  delirious,  and  no 
in  of  his  relative  to  the  bat- 
,  that  the  Chesapeake  was 
iespcratcly  fought,  as  long 


ed  courage,  and  elevated  tranquility  which  he  maintained  in  the 
midst  of  peril,  imparted  a  confidence  to  every  bosom.  In  the 
hour  of  victory  he  was  moderate  and  unassumii^g ;  towards  the 
vanquished  he  was  gentle,  generous,  and  humane  But  it  is  on 
the  amiable  qualities  that  adorned  his  private  chuructcr,  that  his 
friends  will  hang  with  the  fondest  rcmenibt-ance-^that  bland 
philanlhropy  that  emanated  from  every  look,  that  breathed  forth 
in  every  accent,  that  gave  a  grace  to  every  action.  His  was  a 
general  benevolence,  that,  like  a  lannbcnt  flame,  shed  its  cheering 
rays  throughout  the  sphere  of  his  influence,  warming  and  glad- 
dening every  heart,  and  lighting  up  every  countenance  into 
smiles.  But  there  is  one  little  circle  on  whose  sacred  sorrows 
even  the  eye  of  sympathy  dares  not  intrude.  His  brother  being 
dead,  he  was  the  last  male  branch  of  a  family  wha  looked  up  to 
him  as  its  ornament  and  pride.  His  fraternal  tenderness  was  the 
prop  and  consolation  of  two  widowed  sisters,  and  in  him  their 
helpless  offspring  found  a  father.  He  left,  also,  a  wife  and  two 
young  children  to  whom  he  was  fervently  attached.  I  he  critical 
situation  of  the  former  was  one  of  those  cares  which  preyed  upon 
his  mind  at  the  time  he  went  forth  tu  battle.  The  utmost  pre- 
cautions have  been  ttken  by  her  relatives  to  keep  from  her  the 
knowledge  of  her  husband's  fute  ;  their  anxiety  has  been  reliev- 
ed by  the  birih  of  a  son,  who,  we  trust,  will  inherit  the  virtues, 
and  emulate  the  actions  of  his  father.  The  unfortunate  mother 
is  now  slowly  recovering  from  a  long  and  dangerous  confinement ; 
but  has  yet  tu  learn  the  heart-rending  intelligence,  that  the  in&nt 
in  her  arms  is  fatherless. 

There  is  a  touching  pathos  about  the  d^ath  of  this  estimable 
officer,  that  endears  him  more  to  us  than  if  he  had  been  success- 
ful. The  prosperous  conqueror  is  an  object  of  admiration,  but 
in  some  measure  of  envy  ;  whatev'jr  gratitude  we  feel  for  his 
services,  we  are  apt  to  think  them  repaid  by  the  plaudits  he  enjoys. 
But  he  who  falls  a  martyr  to  his  country's  cause,  excites  the 
fulness  of  public  sympathy.  Envy  cannot  repine  at  laurels  so 
dearly  purchased,  and  gratitude  feels  that  he  is  beyond  the  reach 
of  its  rewards.  The  last  sad  scene  of  his  life  hallows  his  memory  ; 
it  remains  sacred  by  misfortune,  and  honoured  not  by  acclamations, 
but  by  the  tears  of  his  countrymen.  The  idea  of  Lawrence,  cut 
down  in  the  prime  of  his  days,  stretched  upon  his  deck,  wrapped 
in  the  flag  of  his  country — that  flag  which  ho  .had  contributed  to 
ennoble,  and  had  died  to  defend — is  a  picture  that  will  remain 
treasured  up  in  the  dearest  recollections  of  every  American. 
His  will  form  one  of  those  talismanic  names,  which  every  nation 
preserves  as  watchwords  for  patriotism  nnd  valour. 

Deeply ,  therefore,  as  every  bosom  must  lament  the  fall  of  so  gal- 
lant and  amiable  an  officer,  there  are  some  reflections  consoling  tn 
the  pride  of  friendship,  and  which  may  sooth,  though  they  cannot 
prevent  the  bitter  tear  of  aflection.     H9  fell  before  his  flag  was 


so 


struck.  liis  fall  was  the  cause,  not  the  consequence  of  defeat. 
He  fell  covered  with  glory,  in  the  flower  of  his  days,  in  the  per- 
fection of  mentul  and  personal  endowment,  and  the  freshness  of 
reputation,  thus  leaving  in  every  mind  the  full  and  perfect  image 
of  a  hero.  However  we  may  deplore  the  stroke  of  death,  his 
visits  are  occasionally  well-timed  for  his  victim :  he  sets  a  seal 
upon  the  fame  of  the  illustrious,  fixing  it  beyond  the  reacli  of 
accident  or  change.  And  where  is  the  son  of  honour,  panting 
for  distinction,  who  would  not  rather,  like  Lawrence,  be  snatched 
away  in  the  brightness  of  youth  and  glory,  than  dwindle  down 
to  what  is  termed  a  good  old  age,  wear  his  reputation  to  shreds, 
and  leave  behind  him  nothing  but  the  remembrauce  of  decrepi- 
tude and  imbecility. 

With  the  feelings  that  s\Tell  our  hearts,  do  we  notice  the  hon- 
ours paid  to  the  brave  Lawrence  at  Halifax.  When  the  ships 
arrived  in  port,  a  generous  concern  was  expressed  for  his  fate. 
The  recollection  of  his  humanity  towards  the  crew  of  the  Pea- 
cock, was  still  fresh  in  every  mind.  His  funeral  obsequies  were 
celebrated  with  appropriate  ceremonials,  and  an  affecUng  solem- 
nity. His  pall  was  supported  by  the  oldest  captains  in  the  Brit- 
ish service  thi>.t  were  in  Halifax ;  and  the  naval  officers  crowded 
to  yield  the  last  sad  honours  to  a  man  who  was  late  their  foe,  but 
now  their  foe  no  longer.  There  is  a  sympathy  between  gallant 
souls  that  knows  no  distinction  of  clime  or  nation.  They  honour 
in  each  other  what  they  feel  proud  of  in  themselves.  The  group 
that  gathered  round  the  grave  of  Lawrence,  presented  a  scene 
worthy  of  the  heroic  days  of  chivalry.  It  was  a  crmplete  triumph 
of  the  nobler  feelings  over  the  savage  passions  of  war.  We 
know  not  where  most  to  bestow  our  admiration— on  the  living 
who  showed  such  generous  sensibility  to  departed  virtue,  or  on 
the  dead,  in  being  worthy  of  such  obsequies  from  such  spirits. 
It  is  by  deeds  like  these,  that  we  really  feel  ourselves  subdued. 
The  conflict  of  arms  is  ferocious,  and  triumph  does  but  engender 
more  deadly  hostility ;  but  the  contest  of  magnanimity  calls  forth 
the  feelings,  and  the  conquest  is  over  the  affections.  We  hope 
that  in  such  a  contest  we  may  never  be  outdone  ;  but  that  the 
present  unhappy  war,  may  be  continually  softened  and  adorned 
by  similar  acts  of  courtesy  and  kindness  on  either  pait,  thus  sowing 
among  present  hostilities  the  quickening  seeds  of  future  friendship. 

As  to  the  event  of  this  battle,  deeply  as  we  mourn  the  loss  of 
so  many  valuable  lives,  wc  feci  no  further  cause  of  lamentation. 
Brilliant  as  the  victory  undoubtedly  was  to  the  conquerors,  our 
nation  lost  nothing  of  honour  in  the  conflict.  The  ship  was 
gallantly  and  bloodily  defended  to  the  last,  and  was  lost,  not 
through  want  of  good  conduct  or  determined  bravery,  but  from 
the  unavoidable  chances  of  battle."    It  was  a  v  ictory,  >>  over  which 

*  In  tlus  we  speak  of  the  loyal,  and  re.illy  Americin  part  of  the  crew. 
Wc  have,  it  is  Uue,  been  told  of  tieachcious  conduct  among  the  murmurei*, 


■  «iwi»mim,n»nniiaiii  nil,  !■» 


I4IIII  i|iiiOT*nnfa 


t^femrtmym' 


equencc  of  defeat, 
is  (lays,  in  tlie  per- 
nd  the  freshness  of 

and  perfect  ima(;e 
ktroke  of  death,  his 
:im :  he  sets  a  seal 
eyond  the  reacli  of 
of  honour,  panting 
vrence,  be  snatched 
than  dwindle  down 
eputation  to  shreds, 
nbrauce  of  decrcpi* 

wc  notice  the  lion> 

.  When  the  ships 
tressed  for  his  fate. 

le  crew  of  the  Pea- 
eral  obsequies  were 

an  affecting  solem- 
captains  in  the  Brit- 
val  officers  crowded 
as  late  their  foe,  but 
ithy  between  gallant 
ition.  They  honour 
iselves.  The  group 
B,  presented  a  scene 
t  acrmplete  triumph 
ssions  of  war.  We 
fttion — on  the  living 
eparted  virtue,  or  on 
!s  from  such  spirits. 
1  ourselves  sulxiued. 
)h  does  but  engender 
gnanimity  calls  forth 
Sections.  We  hope 
tdone  ;  but  that  the 
oftened  and  adorned 
her  jpatt,  thus  sowing 
s  of  future  friendship, 
ve  mourn  the  loss  of 
luse  of  lamentation, 
the  conquerors,  our 
ict.  The  ship  was 
,  and  was  lost,  not 
sd  bravery,  but  from 
ictory,  '<  over  which 

ricin  part  of  the  crew, 
among  the  murmui'erst 


31 

the  conqueror  mourned — so  many  suffered."  We  will  not  enter 
into  any  mechanical  measurment  of  feet  and  inches,  or  any  nice 
calculation  of  force  ;  whether  she  had  a  dozen  men  more  or  less, 
or  were  able  to  throw  a  few  pounds  more  or  less  of  bull,  than  her 
adversary,  by  way  of  accounting  for  her  defeat ;  we  leave  to 
nicer  calculators  to  balance  skill  and  courage  against  timber  and 
old  iron,  and  mele  our  victories  by  the  square  and  the  steelyard. 
The  question  of  naval  superiority,  about  which  so  much  useless 
anxiety  has  been  manifested  of  late,  and  which  we  fear  will 
cause  a  vast  deal  of  strife  and  ill  blood  before  it  is  put  to  rest, 
was  in  our  opinion  settled  long  since,  in  the  course  of  the  five 
preceding  battles.  From  a  general  examination  of  these  battles, 
it  appears  clearly  to  us,  that  under  equal  circumstances  of  force 
and  preparation,  the  nations  are  equal  on  the  ocean  ;  and  the 
result  of  any  contest,  between  well-matched  ships,  would  depend 
entirely  on  accident.  This,  without  any  charge  of  vanity,  we  may 
certainly  claim  :  the  British,  in  justice  and  candour,  must  admit  as 
much,  and  it  would  be  arrogant  in  us  to  insist  on  any  thing  more. 

Our  officers  have  hitherto  been  fighting  under  superior  excite* 
ment  to  the  British.  They  have  been  eager  to  establish  a  name, 
and  from  their  limited  number,  each  has  felt  as  if  individually  re- 
sponsible for  the  reputation  of  the  navy.  Besides,  the  haughty 
superiority  with  which  they  have  at  various  times  been  treated 
by  the  enemy,  had  stung  the  feelings  of  the  officers,  and  even 
touched  the  rough  pride  of  the  common  sailors.  They  have 
spared  no  pains,  therefore,  to  prepare  for  contest  with  so  formida- 
ble a  Cm,  and  have  fought  with  the  united  advantages  of  discipline 
and  enthusiasm. 

An  equal  excitement  is  now  felt  by  the  British.  Galled  by 
our  successes,  they  begin  to  find  that  we  are  an  enemy  that  calls 
for  all  their  skill  and  circumspection.  They  have  therefore  re- 
sorted to  a  strictnebs  of  discipline  and  to  excessive  precautions 
and  preparations  that  had  been  neijlected  in  their  navy,  and  which 
no  other  modern  foe  has  been  able  to  compel.  Thus  circum- 
stanced, every  future  contest  must  be  bloody  and  precarious. 
The  question  of  superiority,  if  such  an  idle  question  is  still  kept 
up,  will  in  all  probability  be  shifting  with  the  result  of  different 
battles,  as  eitb'.ir  side  has  superior  advanugcs  or  superior  good 
fortune. 

For  our  part,  we  conceive  that  the  great  purpose  of  our  navy 
is  accomplished.     It  was  not  to  be  expected  that  with  so  incon- 

»  number  of  whom,  he«ded  by  the  dastardly  Portiigueie  boatawain'i  mate 
are  said  to  have  descried  tlieir  commander  at  the  moment  of  most  need.  As 
this  matter  will  come  under  the  scrutiny  of  the  proper  tribunal,  we  pass  it 
over  without  further  notice.  If  estabtislied,  it  will  form  another  of  thebale- 
ful  disadvanta^s  under  which  this  battle  was  fought,  and  may  serve  to  show 
the  policy  of  admitting  the  leaven  of  foreign  vagabonds  among  our  own  sonud- 
hearted  sailors.— Ms.  laviNi. 


fW' 


32 

■Iderable  a  force,  we  should  make  any  impression  on  British 
power,  or  materially  affect  Britisli  commerce.  We  fought,  not 
to  take  their  ships  and  plunder  their  wealth,  but  to  pluck  some 
of  their  laurels,  wherewith  to  grace  our  own  brows,  n  this  wo 
have  succeeded  ;  and  thus  the  great  mischief  that  our  little  navy 
was  capable  of  doing  to  Great  Britain,  in  showing  that  her  mar- 
itime  power  was"  vulnerable,  has  been  effected,  and  is  irretneva- 

The  British  may  now  swarm  on  our  coasts— they  may  infest 
our  rivers  and  our  bays~they  may  destroy  our  ships— they  may 
bum  our  docks  and  our  ports— they  may  anmhilate  every  gallant 
tar  that  fights  beneath  our  flag— they  may  wreak  every  vengeance 
on  our  marine,  that  their  overwhelming  force  enab  es  them  to 
accomplish— and  after  all,  what  have  they  effected  ?  redeenaed 
the  preeminence  of  their  flag  ?  destroyed  the  naval  power  of  this 

country  ?— flO  such  thing.  .,        r 

They  must  first  obliterate  from  the  tablets  of  our  memories, 
that  deep  traced  recollection,  that  we  have  repeatedly  met  them 
with  equal  force  and  conquered.  In  that  inspiring  idea,  which 
is  beyond  the  reach  of  mortal  hand,  exists  the  germ  of/ut«rc  navies, 
future  power,  and  future  conquest.  WhatisournavyJ  A  handful  of 
frieates;  let  them  be  destroyed  ;  our  forests  can  produce  hun- 
dreds such.  Should  our  docks  be  laid  in  ruins,  we  can  rebuild 
them— should  our  gallant  band  of  tars  be  annihilated,  thanks  to 
the  viporous  population  of  our  country,  we  can  funus.*  thousands 
and  thousands  of  such ;  but  so  long  as  exists  the  moral  certainty 
that  we  have  within  us  the  spirit,  the  abiliues  and  the  means  ot 
attaining  naval  glory,  so  long  the  enemy,  in  wreakmg  tBeir  re- 
sentment on  our  present  force,  do  but  bite  the  stone  which  has 
been  hurled  at  them— the  hand  that  hurled  it  remains  unmjured. 


FLAG  OF  TRUCE. 

FROM  the  high  grounds  of  Salem,  the  inhabitants  of  that 
place  had  a  distant  view  of  the  engagement  between  the  English 
and  American  frigates.  The  interest  created  by  the  spectacle 
did  not  subside  with  its  termination,  but  was  protracted  and 
aucmented  after  the  fate  of  the  gallant  Lawrence  was  known, 
by  the  project  conceivet'  by  one  of  the  distinguished  ciUzens  ot 
that  town,  of  rcstorbg  the  remains  of  the  lamented  hero  to  his 

native  land.     '  ...  •  ^ 

The  citizen  who  originated  this  patriotic  enterprise  was  Cap- 
tain George  Crowninshield,  jun.  of  Salem,  whose  energy  ot 
character  and  liberality  of  sentiment  have  been  frequently  and 
cwiapicuously  displayed. 


'*,V 


uriiiainl'  •'*»  iilimimi- 


■^.■W»r.. 


33 


Ipression  on  British 
le.  We  fought,  not 
J,  but  to  pluck  some 
brows.  In  this  wc 
if  that  our  little  nuvy 
lowing  that  her  tnar- 
|ted,  and  is  irretricva- 

sts — ^they  may  infest 
our  ships — they  may 
nihilate  every  gallant 
reak  every  vengeance 
}rce  enables  them  to 

eflected  ?  redeemed 
le  naval  power  of  this 

ets  of  our  memories, 

repeatedly  met  them 

inspiring  idea,  which 

germ  of  future  navies, 

mrnavy,'  A  handful  of 

9ts  can  produce  hun- 

ruins,  we  can  rebuild 

annihilated,  thaDks  to 

can  furnish  thousiuids 

ts  the  moral  certainty 

ties  and  the  means  of 

in  wreaking  tHeir  re- 

the  stone  which  has 

it  remains  uninjured. 


From  such  a  man  it  might  have  been  expected  that  while 
ethers  thought  only  of  lamenting  the  untimely  fate  of  Lawrence 
and  his  brave  companions,  he  should  have  manifested  his  res- 
pect and  attachment  to  the  illustrious  dead,  by  a  spontaneous 
offer  to  bring  them  at  his  own  charge  from  a  distant  and  hostile 
shore  to  the  land  of  their  fathers.  Such  a  citizen  was  worthf 
to  be  the  bearer  of  those  remains  which  were  once  inspired  by 
souls  of  congenial  disinterestedness  and  heroism. 

In  pursuance  of  this  honourable  intention,  Captain  Crownm- 
shield  addressed  an  application  to  the  Government  of  the  United 
States,  for  permission  to  execute  his  design,  under  the  sanction 
of  a  flag  of  truce,  and  the  following  correspondence  was  the 
consequence. 


Sir, 


Mivy  Yard,  Charleatown,  (Matt. J  26M  June,  1813. 


Mr.  George  Crowninshield,  Jr.  of  Salem,  has  expressed  the 
desire  to  go  himself  to  Halifax,  and  remove  from  thence,  at  his 
own  expense,  if  permitted,  the  body  of  the  gallant  Captain  Law- 
rence, to  some  part  of  the  United  States.  Mr.  Crowninshield 
has  accordingly  applied  for  a  passport  for  that  purpose,  and  has 
requested  me  to  strengthen  his  application,  by  writing  to  you  on 
the  subject.  I  feel  confident.  Sir,  tbaf  it  is  only  necessary  to 
make  you  acqutdnted  with  his  intention,  so  honorable  to  himself, 
and  so  grateml  to  his  country,  to  command  your  influence  in 
favour  of  the  application. 

I  have  the  holior  to  be,  &c.  Sec. 
(Signed)  WILLIAM  BAINBRIDGE. 

HoH.  William  Jonbs,  Secretary  qf  ? 

the  JVavy,  City  Wathington.  5 


E. 

t  inhabitants  of  thai 
between  the  English 
ited  by  the  spect)|u:le 
was  protracted  and 
.awrence  was  known, 
linguished  citizens  of 
lamented  hero  to  his 

enterprise  was  Cap- 

n,  whose  energy  of 

been  frequently  and 


Sib, 


J^avy  Department,  July  10,  1813. 


In  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  2Cth  of  last  month,  I  have 
to  state,  that  I  have  heai-d  nothing  more  of  Mr.  Crowninshield's 
ap|riic«tion,  but  have  spoken  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  who  will, 
with  pleasure,  instantly  grant  tlie  cartel ;  and,  for  myself,  every 
thing  that  can  contribute  to  honor  the  memory  and  the  manes  of 
our  gallant  countryman,  the  lamented  Lawrence,  wiU  be  to  me 
a  source  of  real  gratification. 

I  am,  very  respectfully, 

your' obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  Y/ILLIAM  JONES. 

Commodore  William  JBainbridob,  United 
Statet  Mivy,  Charlettown,  (Matt.) 


Salem^July  19,  1813. 

I  HAVtt  Heen  copies  of  letter*  which  have  passed  be- 
tween yourself  and  Commodore  William  Bainbndge,  relative  to 
my  application  for  permission  to  proceed  to  Halifax  for  the  body 
of  thj  late  gallant  Captain  Lawrence,  and  any  other  officer  if  it 
is  wished,  and  have  now  to  request  of  the  fiovemment,  a  cartel, 
to  proceed  there  for  that  purpose,  and  to  return  to  Salem  or 
Boston,  at  my  own  expense.  ,  ^    „  r 

The  brig  in  which  I  shall  proceed  is  named  the  Henry,  of 
Salem,  about  one  hundred  and  twrnty  tons  burthen,  myself  mas- 
ter, and  to  be  navigated  by  the  following  gentlemen,  all  masters 
of  vessels,  who  have  volunteered  for  that  pui-pose,  viz.  George 
Crowninshield,  Jr.  master,  Holton  J.  Breed,  first  officer,  Samuel 
Briggs,  second  officer,  John  Sinclair,  Jcduthan  Upton,  Stephen 
Burchmore,  Joseph  L.  Lee,  Thomas  Bowditch,  Benjamin  Upton, 
Thomdike  Procter,  Mark  Messurvey,  cook,  and  Nathaniel  Cum- 
mings,  steward.  I  have  given  their  names,  so  that  if  it  be  ne- 
cessary to  insert  them  in  the  papers,  it  may  be  done. 

The  passport,  if  granted,  is  requested  so  soon  as  the  Govern- 
ment can  make  it  convenient,  on  account  of  the  season  of  the 

year.  .  ,  ,  ^ 

Would  it  be  improper.  Sir,  to  have  a  special  letter  to  our 
agent  in  Hali&x,  that  he  may  render  any  assistonce  which  may 
be  necessary,  or  any  other  which  you  may  think  more  advan- 
tageous ? 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 

your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  GEORGE  CROWNINSHIELD,  Jr. 

Hon.  William  Jones,  Secretary  qf  ? 
the  Mivyt  City  Waahington.  5 


Jifavy  Defiartment,  July  38,  1813. 


SlE, 


In  compliance  with  your  request  of  the  19th  instant,  I  have 
the  pleasure  to  enclose  the  passport  and  letter  from  the  Secre- 
tary of  State  which  you  desired,  and  to  express  my  high  sense 
of  the  patriotic  and  honourable  motives  by  which  yourself  ami 
companions  are  actuated. 

I  am,  very  respectfully, 

your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  WILLIAM  JONES. 

Geobob  Crowninshield,  Ja.  Esq.?     . 

Salem,  Massachusetts.  5  ^ 


.M^ 


\,July  19,  1813. 

h  have  passed  be> 

bndg^,  relative  (u 

alifax  for  the  body 

17  ether  officer  if  it 

ovemment,  a  cartel, 

return  to  Salem  or 

uned  the  Henry,  of 
iithen,  myself  mat- 
tlemen,  all  masters 
ii-pose,  viz.  George 
first  officer,  Samuel 
lan  Upton,  Stephen 
h,  Benjamin  Upton, 
ind  Nathaniel  Cum* 
so  that  if  it  be  ne> 
be  done. 

soon  as  the  Govern* 
>f  the  season  of  the 

ipecial  letter  to  our 
Bsistance  which  may 
f  think  more  adran- 


rvant, 
SflNSHIELD,  Jr. 


wt^i  w^  ^w— iww^p»^'^*"F'T«w><yfW 


35 

It  having  been  made  known  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  that  George  CrowntnshieUI,  Jr.  and  others 
herein  after  named,  ail  Ameiican  masters  of  vessels,  are  desirous 
of  proceeding  from  Salem,  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts,  in  the 
brig  Henry,  of  the  burthen  of  about  one  hundred  and  twenty 
tons,  to  Halifax,  in  the  British  Province  of  Nova  Scotia,  tor  the 
purpose  of  bringing  thence  the  mortal  remains  of  James  Law< 
rencc,  hile  a  Captain  in  the  Navy  of  the  United  States,  who 
bravely  fell  in  the  performance  of  his  duty  in  a  severe  conflict 
with  the  enemy,  in  order  that  the  corpse  of  the  said  James 
Lawrence  may  receive  the  rites  of  burial  within  the  limits  of 
the  United  States  ;  the  President  of  the  United  States  aforesaid, 
approving  the  motive  of  the  undertaking,  grants  permission  for 
the  said  brig  Henry  to  depart  for  Halifax  aforesaid,  to  he  navi- 
gated by  the  said  George  Crowninshield,  Jr.  and  by  Holton  J. 
Breed,  Samuel  Briggs,  John  Sinclair,  Jeduthan  Upton,  Stephen 
Burchmore,  Joseph  L.  Lee,  Thomas  Bowditch,  Benjamin  Upton, 
Thorndike  Procter,  Mark  Messurvey,  and  Nathaniel  Cummings. 
And  all  naval  and  military  ofBcers  of  the  said  United  States, 
commanders  of  private  armed  vessels  holding  commissions 
under  the  authority  of  the  same ;  and  all  others  whom  it  may 
concern,'  arc  requested  not  to  offer  any  hindrance  or  molestation 
to  the  said  brig  Henry,  or  to  any  of  those  persons  by  whom  she 
is  navigated ;  but  on  the  contrary,  to  afToni  to  her  and  them  all 
■ecessary  aid  and  assistance. 

In  faith  whereof,  I,  James  Monroe,  Secretary  of  State  for  the 
said  United  States  of  America,  have  hereunto  subscribed  my 
name,  and  affixed  the  seal  of  my  office. 

Given  at  the  city  of  Washington,  this  tventy>seventh  day  of 
July,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
thirteen,  and  in  the  thirty-eighth  year  of  American  independence. 


(Signed) 


JAMES  MONROE. 


n/,  Jultf  38,  18 IS. 

i  19th  instant,  I  hare 

tter  from  the  Secre- 

;>resH  my  high  sense 

which  yourself  and 

Qt  servant, 
LLIAM  JONES. 


THE  brig  Henry  with  Captain  Crowninshie'.d  and  bis  as- 
sociates on  board,  on  the  7th  day  of  August,  1813,  sailed  from 
Salem  to  Halifax  with  a  flag  of  truce. 

She  arrived  at  Halifax  on  the  1 0th  day  of  the  same  month, 
where  she  was  treated  politely,  although  no  person  on  board, 
except  Captain  Crowninshield,  was  suffered  to  land  and  pro- 
ceed  to  the  town.  After  a  detention  of  a  few  days,  she  accom- 
plished the  object  of  her  voyage,  and  sailed  from  Halifax  on  the 
13th  for  Salem,  with  the  remains  of  Captain  Lawrence  and 
Lieutenant  Ludio^?  on  board. 


Cerlj/teate  ^Ihe  Agents  at  Halifax. 
1  BO  hereby  certify  that  the  Henry,  Flag  of  Truce,  is  suflfcrcd 
to  depart  from  the  port  of  Halifax,  by  the  express  order  of  Rear 
Admiral  Griffiths,  commander  in  chief  at  Halifax,  and  also  with 
the  consent  of  the  Lieutenant  General  co.-.manding  the  forces, 
to  tokc  on  board  the  bodies  of  the  late  Capiam  Lawrence  and 
Lieutenant  Ludlow.  ....,,,.« 

(Signed)  WILLIAM  MILLER, 

^    ^      ^  Jgent  for  Priaonen  <\f  War. 

4ugiuit  13ih,  1  A.M. 

On  board  the  Henry  off  York  redoubt. 


Cofiy  ttfa  letter  from  Ca/i.Crowmtu/iield  to  theSeeretary  qfthtNavy. 

Salem,,  Augiut  19,1813. 

Sir,  I  have  to  inform  you,  I  received  the  necessary  docu- 
ments and  papers  to  enable  me  to  proceed  b  the  brig  fliwry, 
with  my  comrades  to  Halifax^  after  the  bodies  of  the  late  gallant 
Capt.  Lawrrncb  and  his  lieutenant,  Ludlow.  I  have  per- 
formed the  service,  and  obtaicted  through  the  assistance  of  Mr. 
MiTCHKL,  our  agent  tliere,  the  remains  of  both  the  officers 
above  named ;  and  !  must  add,  received  proper  attention  from 
the  commanding  officers  of  the  British  Government. 

The  relatives  of  Captain  Lawrbmce  have  requested  that  his 
remuns,  ultimately  might  rwr  in  Aiw- Tor*,  but  that  funeral 
honours  might  be  paid  here,  and  accordingly  the  ceremonies 
vill  take  place  on  Monday  next,  at  Salem.  Com.  Bainbridoe 
has  been  consulted  on  the  occasion,    I  remain  with  high  respect 

and  esteem,  your  obedient  servant,  

(Signed)  GEORGE  GROWNINSHIELD,  Jr. 

Hon.  William  Jones,  ? 
Secretary  ^f  the  JVbvy.S 


PREVIOUSLY  to  the  swling  of  the  brig  Henry  from  Salem, 
Captain  Crowninshield  had  signified  to  a  number  of  the  citi- 
zens of  that  town,  the  object  of  his  proposed  voyage  to  Halifax, 
requesting  that  preparations  might  be  made  to  receive,  with  due 
honors  and  respect,  the  remains  of  the  Naval  Heroes  at  his  re- 
turn. Immediately  after  the  sailing  of  the  Henry,  a  meeting  of 
a  number  of  the  citizens  of  Salem  was  held,  at  which  meeting, 
the  Hon.  B.  W.  Crowninshield,  Heniy  Piince,  Joseph  White, 
iun.  Thomas  Whittredgc,  Joseph  Ropes,  John  W.  Treadwell, 
Stephen  While,  and  Jeremiali  Brigga,  Esquires,  were  chosen  a 


'alifax. 

of  Truce,  is  sufffcrcd 
ixprcBS  order  of  Rear 
lalifax,  and  alao  with 
..iTianding  the  forces, 
:aptain  Lawrence  and 

XER, 
Priaonera  qf  War. 

redoubt. 


t  Secretary  qfthe^favy. 

myAuguat  19, 1813. 
i  the  necessary  docu- 
ud  in  the  brig  flwiry, 
dies  of  the  late  gallant 
uoLow.  I  have  per- 
the  assistance  of  Mr. 
■  of  both  the  officers 
proper  attention  from 
avemment. 

ave  requested  that  his 
'orky  but  that  funeral 
dingly  the  ceremonies 
.  Com.  Baimbridoe 
main  with  high  respect 

^NINSHIELD,  Jr. 


irig  Henry  from  Salem, 
a  number  of  the  citi- 
)sed  voyage  to  Halifax, 
ide  to  receive,  with  due 
>Javal  Heroes  at  his  re- 
lie  Henry,  a  meeting  of 
leld,  at  which  meeting, 
Pi'ince,  Joseph  White, 
s,  John  W.  TreadwelJ, 
squircsi  were  chosen  a 


Marshal  of  the  District  va^  his  Deputies. 

Vice-Prebident  of  the  United  States. 

Members  of  Congress. 

Judges  and  other  Civil  Oflicers  of  tlie  United  Sutcs. 

Officers  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States/ 

Ministers  and  Consuls  of  Foreign  Powers. 

*  Committee  of  Arrangements. 

Hon.  Joseph  Story  and  the  officiating  Clergymen  (in  a  car^-iage.) 

Members  of  the  State.  Legislature. 

Civil  Officers  of  the  State. 

Military  Officers  of  the  State,  in  Uniform. 

Principal  Municipal  Qfficers  of  the  to\vn. 

Salem  Marine  Society. 

East-India  Marine  Society. 

President,  Directors  and  officers  of  the  respective  Banks. 

President,  Directors  and  Officers  of  the  respective  Insurance 

Offices. 
Citizens  in  general. 


The  procession  then  moved  to  slow'  and  solemn  music, 
escorted  by  the  ipmpany  of  Light  Infantry,  under  Captaijii.  C. 
Ring,  through  the  principal  streets,  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  SpaulOng  s 
meeting-house.  The  procession  was  such,  in  point  of  respect- 
ability and  numbers,  as  was  never  before  witnessed  in  Salem. 
It  was  distinguished  by  the  presence  of  his  Excellency  the  Vice. 
Preudent  of  the  United  States,  escorted  by  the  Marshal  of  the 
Diatrict  and  his  deputies,  with  their  insignia  of  office ;  Major 
General  Dearborn,  Brigadier  General  T.  H.  Cushing.and  other 
distinguished  officers  of  high  rank  in  the  arniy  of  the  United 
States ;  Commodore  Bainbridge,  and  other  officers  of  the  navy 
of  distinction  ;  Judges  of  the  United  States,  and  other  civil  offi- 
cers of  distinction ;  the  Hon.  William  Gray,  late  Lieatcuant 
Governor  of  this  Commonweahh  ;  the  Hon.  Samuel  Dexter ;  ii 
great  number  of  Military  Offi^cets  of  the  State  in  uniform ;  Ma- 
rine Societies  wearing  their  bad^^cs  of  distinction ;  Masonic 
Societies;  and  an  immense  concourse  of  respectable  private 
citizens  from  the  adjacent  towns  av.d  couiiliy.  Independent  of 
the  procesuon,  the  side  walks  and  houses  lo  their  very  lops, 
were  covered  with  spectators,  which,  together  with  the  melan- 
choly  knell  of  the  bells,  the  mouniful  sound  of  the  music,  the 
distant  peal  of  cannon^  and  the  slow  and  solemn  pace  of  the 


■sesssssssssxm 


^.«». 


r 


40 

procesBion,  gave  to  the  whole  an  intereat  of  which  it  would  be 
Yain  to  attempt  a  description.  On  arriving  at  the  meeting' 
houte,  the  corpses  were  taken  Trom  the  funeral  cars,  and  placed 
in  the  centre  or  the  church,  by  the  seamen  who  rowed  them  to  the 
shore,  and  who  stood  during  the  whole  of  the  performance, 
leaning  upon  them  in  an  attitude  of  mourning.  The  church 
was  most  tastefully  hung  with  sable,  cypress  and  evergreen. 
The  names  of  «  Lawbenc*"  and  "  Ludlow"  appeared  m  let- 
ters of  gold,  encircled  by  festoons  of  evergreen,  immediately  on 
the  front  of  the  desk.  The  rites  of  sepulture  were  performed 
with  great  solemnity,  and  the  music  was  good  and  a|>propriBte. 
After  the  performances  were  concluded  in  the  meeting-house, 
the  faithful  seamen  conveyed  the  remains  into  the  quiet  tomb, 
and  the  Masonic  Societies  and  Military  corps  paid  the  last  ritual 
homrge  to  the  immorul  Lawabmok  and  Ludlow.* 


i 


*  The  loan  of  the  North  Meeting-house  liaving  been  solicited  and  refused, 
the  tbUowing  request  and  uwwer  are  pvluihed. 

'    tVlsdneiidagiWh^uguH,  1813. 

OKTLCMaN, 

Thb  necessary  preparations  for  the  Funeral  of  the  late  eallant  and 
lamented  Capt  James  Lawrence  wl]<  be  completed,  after  a  suiuble  Meeting- 
house, for  the  perfoiinr^e  of  the  funeral  aolemnitiea,  shall  have  been  oL- 
tained.  Aa  Doct .  Bernard's  Meeting-huusc  has  manv  advantages  over  ever^ 
otbs^B  town,  particularly  on  itccount  of  its  size  snd  the  fine  orgsn  which  it 
condBh  «e  beg  leavt  *•>' request  of  you  the  loan  of  tW  same  for  the  above 

^""^Tsigned)  D.  W.  CBOWNINSHIELD, 

Chairman  of  Committee  ^  Arrangtmtnti. 


MsssRS.  Samubi.  IIolman, 

Elijah  SAVMsaaioir, 

GiDBON  TUOKBR. 

Samuel  Putnam, 
C«»'WM«««  <^the  Preprietwi  ef  Jtr.Samarir*  Meetinj^muie. 


MitsKi.  Edwarb  Browni 

JoHH  D.  Trbadwbll, 

JOSBPH  AnDRBWa, 


Salem,  Attguit  19, 1813. 

Sir 

Thb  Committee  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  North  Meeting  House,  in 
Salem,  have  received  your  note  requesting  the  loan  of  the  House  for  the 
performance  of  tlie  funeral  solemnities  of  the  late  Captain  Lawrence,  and 
reply,  that  they  have  no  authority  "  to  open  the  House  for  any  other  pur- 
pose than  pubhc  worship." 

(Signed)  SAMUEL  HOLMAN, 

Chairman  of  the  Proprietor*'  Committte. 

Hon.  B.  W.  Crowninshibld,  Chairman  of  the  "% 

Commiltte  of  Arrangementtfor  the  funeral  af^^  ' 

(Ae  late  Captain  Laivrence.  >  * 


6t 


**'. 


•"HI  Liit^<iiyt>wi 


M»». 


fV' 


of  which  it  would  be 
iring  at  the  meeting, 
ineral  cars,  and  placed 
irho  rowed  them  to  the 
of  the  performance, 
uming.  The  church 
preu  and  everereen. 
low"  appeared  m  let- 
{reen,  immediately  on 
Iture  were  performed 
good  and  appropriate. 
in  the  meeting-house, 
I  into  the  quiet  tomb, 
rps  paid  the  last  ritual 
Ludlow.* 


*♦  -"••»     .*■*» 


AN 

EULOGY, 

PRONOUNCED        .--.'■_-• 
AT  SALEM,  MASSACHUSETTS, 


—  t 


,',V.i 


©N  MONDAY  THE  TWENTY-THIRD  DAV  OF  AUGUST,  1813. 


been  toUdted  and  refused, 


r,  18M  ^ugu»u  1813. 

!nJ  of  the  late  eallant  and 
d,  after  a  suitable  Meeting- 
nities.  shall  have  been  oL- 
lanv  advantages  over  ever^ 
ma  the  fine  organ  which  it 
of  tMI  same  for  the  above 

INSHIBU), 

tmmiUet  ^  Arrangtnunts. 

Edward  Browni 

JOHH  D.  TaSADWELt., 
JOIBFH  AmdEEWS, 

feeting-houu, 

Salem,  Augmt  19, 1813. 

North  Meeting  House,  in 

loan  of  the  House  for  the 

tte  Captain  Lawrence,  and 

House  for  any  other  pur- 

r. 

Propritfrt*  Commute. 


ON  THE 


REINTERMENT  OP  THE  BODIES 


Of 


CAPTAIN  JAMES  LAWBENCB> 


AND 


LIEUTENANT  AUGUSTUS  C.  LUDLOW, 


LATE  or  THE 


AMERICAN  FRIGATE  CHESAPEAKE. 


Bt  JOSEPH  STORY. 


SUlwh,  August  '^Mi,  181X 


SiBt 


I  RAVE  the  honour  to  communictte  to  you  the  thanki  of  the 
Committee  of  Amuigementi,  fbr  tile  Culefrium  pranounced  by  you  over  the 
remaiiu  of  tlMMC  lun^nted heroes,  Capt.  Jambs  LAwmeiioB  and  Lieut.  Au' 
ovsTvi  C.  Luptow.  on  Monday  last,  and  respectfulUt  request  a  copy  of 
tbe  same  for  the  press. 

I  am.  Sir, 

VTitl)  much  esteem, 
Tour  obedi^  serrant, 

B.  W.  CBOWMINSnlELDb  Chairman, 
Am*  ytiepk  Sttrj,  E»q. 


Avousf  S(Hh,1313. 


Bill 


I  HAVE  the  honour  to  acknowledge  your  favour  of  this  same 
date.  It  Is  well  known  to  tbe  Committee  of  Arrangements,  diat  the  Eukigy, 
pronounced  on  Monday  last,  was  written  under  the  pressure  of  extreme  ill 
health.  ai^4<#«l«fpi»tf«Yn^  Ml  ifven^pabv  Wi|b  this  a|»k>gy  for 
iu  imperfectians,  1  submit  it  cheerfully  to  your  disposal.  Itt  errors  will  be 
readi'y  pardoned  6y  those,  who  know  how  diflScult  it  is  to  praise  the  dead, 
when  the  pnbCe  (tedhgs  have  already  pronounced  the  most  emphatic  Eu- 

thsiwtiys  heneur  to  b«. 
With  great  respect, 

¥ottr  very  obeditet  servsnt, 

jossni  STOUT. 

Tkt  Ksti.  Bayamin  tV.  Croaniiukitld,      7 


j0000^ 


■W"!"  '*» 


EULOGY. 


August  WMi,  1813. 

mi  the  thanki  cf  th* 
unced  by  you  over  the 
imcB  and  Lieut.  Au- 
11%  requeat  a  copy  of 


inlELJ^  Chairman, 


kvouif  36(h,l313.  , 

ir  favour  of  tbit  aame 
mnta,  fhatthe  Eulogyi 
jveasure  of  extreme  iU 
Vi|h  tWa  a^logy  for 
aal.  la  errora  will  be 
I  is  to  praiae  the  dead, 
lie  moat  emphatic  Eu- 


rant, 

JOSEPH  STQHT. 


Welcome  to  their  native  8hote«  be  the  remains  of 
our  departed  heroes^Thanlu  to  individual  munifi- 
cence and  patriotism— they  sleep  not  in  a  foreign 
soil,  where  the  sighs  of  strangers  alope  would  moan 
over  their  grave.    They  shall  repose  In  the  bosom 
of  the  country,  whic^i  they  loved,  and  In  whose  ser- 
vice they  fought,  and  gloriously  bled.    Their  feflow 
countrymen  shall  turn  with  a  fond  and  holy  rever- 
ence to  the  place  of  thcif  sepulture— and  when  time 
shall  abate  the  anguish  of  unutterable  sorrow,  they 
shall  delight  to  point  to  the  young  and  the  old,  to 
^he  warrior  and  to  the  statesman,  the  example  of 
those  who  never  caused  a  sigh  from  their  country, 
but  at  their  death. 

The  pride  of  a  nation  is  never  more  honourably 
employed  than  in  eeiebratin,^  the  funeral  obseqme. 
of  its  benefactors.  The  applause  that  waits  on  th. 
great  and  the  successful,  while  Uving,  may  delude 


tmmomm 


»M»im,i 


the  young  and  the  ambitious ;  but  the  public  feelings 
which  consecrate  the  dead  afe  the  spontaneous  burst 
of  public  gratitude  j  and  inspire  the  most  pure  and 
elevated  virtue. 

What  your  own  feeUngs  are  on  this  occasion,  I 
pretend  not  to  describe.    The  funeral  pomp  that 
swells  the  melancholy  grandeur  of  this  procession-- 
the  religious  awe  that  pervades  this  crowded  assem- 
bly— the  emblems  of  death,  that  shroud  these  dark- 
ened  walls,  aud  "let  fall  a  suppynumerary  horror*'-; 
all,  all,  declare  your  hallowed  sympathy  in  language 
which  no  eloquence  can  equal,  and  no  tongue  can 
repeat.     In  times  like  these,  the  tido  of  human  feel-- 
ings  overwhelms  the  soul ;  and  leaves  nothing  for 
the  workings  of  sorrow,  which  the  imagination  has 
not  already  seized  and  jembodied. 

In  breaking  the  silence  of  your  meditations,  I  feej 
how  illy  it  would  become  me,  under  any  circumstan- 
ces, to  pronounce  a  studied  panegyric— Feeble  as  I 
now  am,  1  shall  with  all  simplicity  attempt  but  a 
rapid  sketch  of  these  lamented  heroes,  and  leave  your 
own  hearts  to  give  the  finbhing  touches  to  the  pic- 
ture.. 

The  honour  of  the  birth  of  papt.  Lawrence  be- 
longs to  the  state  of  New-Jersey.  He  was  born  at 
l^urlington,  on  the  first  of  October,  1781 ;  and  was 
the  youngest  son  of  a  highly  respectable  counsellor 


"mmm 


■MMlM 


■mnnvi^^pn 


mblic  feeliogf 

Intaneotts  burst 

loat  pure  and 


is  occasion^  I 
ral  pomp  that 
8  procession-— 
rowded  assem- 
ud  these  dark- 
rary  horror" — ; 
thy  in  language 
no  tongue  can 
of  human  feel-* 
es  nothing  for 
imagination  has 


»ditations,  I  fee| 
liny  circumstan- 
B. — Feeble  as  I 
attempt  but  a 
if  and  leave  your 
bes  to  the  pic- 


Lawr^nce  be- 
le  was  born  at 
781 ;  and  was 
lible  counsellor 


45 

of  his  native  state.  By  the  death  of  his  mother,  the 
care  and  nurture  of  his  infant  years  devolved  on  his 
excellent  sisters,  to  whom  on  every  occasion  he  tes- 
tified the  warmest  fraternal  affection.  After  receiv- 
ing the  rudiments  of  a  good  education,  he  entered 
the  office  of  his  brother,  as  a  student  at  law  ;  and 
his  friends  indulged  the  fond  expectation,  that  he 
would  soon  attain  the  highest  honours  of  the  profes- 
sion. But  the  ardour  and  enthusiasm  of  young  Law- 
rence could  illy  brook  the  intricate  mazes  of  tech- 
nical learning.  He  panted  for  other  scenes — for  the 
toils,  and  the  perils,  and  the  adventures  of  the  sens — 
for  the  enterprises  and  the  fame  of  those, 

WhoM  march  is  on  the  mountain  wave, 
Whose  home  is  on  the  deep. 

After  many  an  ineffectual  effort  to  reconcile  himself 
to  tiie  cold  and  cheerless  formalities  of  jurispru- 
dence, I  learned  from  his  own  lips,  that  he  drew  a 
reluctant  consent  from  his  family  to  his  abandon- 
ment of  the  study ;  and  with  a  glowing  heart,  he 
sought  and  obtained  a  midshipman's  station  in  our 
then  infant  navy.  In  this  situation,  by  his  diligence 
and  activity,  he  soon  acquired  the  esteem  and  respeet 
of  all  atound  him ;  and  gave  the  most  happy  presa- 
ges of  future  excellence. 

On  the  breaking  out  of  the  Tripolitan  war^  he  was 
advanced  to  a  lieutenancy,  and  during  the  whole  of 


wii^iiimiimtmSm 


m 

^itt  ardqpuB  conflict  he  served  in  ihfb  Mediterrwic»n, 
In  tlie  hardy  enterprise  of  burning,  under  the  very 
batteries  of  the  enemy,  the  frigate  Philadelphia,  he 
vQluuteered  his  services ;  wid  acted  as  the  firft  lieu- 
tfinant  to  Commodore  Decatur— Every  A^nericau 
knows  the  succesr^ful  residt  of  thatbriUiant  achieve- 
«ent.    An  achievement,  respecting  which  it  is  diffi- 
cult  to  say,  which  deserves  most  praise,  the  desper- 
ate valour  with  which  it  was  planned,  or  the  match- 
less  skill  and  enthusiasm  with  which  tt  w»s  execu- 
ted.    On  that  day  liAWBBNCB  appeared  with  dis- 
tinguished  lustre ;    and  if  his  services  were  not 
requited  by  the  public  rewsKds  of  hu  own  countey, 
they  attracted  the  admiration  of  the  world.    They 
gtamped  a  character  on  the  American  Navy,  which 
the  glory  of  later  tlays,  po  far  fr»m  eclipsing,  has 
displayed  in  more  bold  relief. 

The  long  intervM  of  suocee^ng  peaise  left  jiothing 
for  naval  ambition,  but  the  punctiUous  performance 

of  duty. 

The  e<Wi«»e»«^«»«»»*  of  thi?  presept  war  founcf 
Capt.  Lj^wbbnce  iu  the  pomaand  o^  the  Hornet. 
He  immediately  sailed  with  the  squadron  under  the 
command  of  that  accomplished  officer.  Commodore 
Bogers.  They  traversed  the  ocean  unsuccessfully, 
for  the  enemy  eluded  their  vignance— or  sought  the 
wwib^t  in  othOT  seas.  On  his  second  cruise  he  was 
ftttaehed  to  the  Censtittttion,   undor   CoHunodor* 


MippfMFRMpiiiln*! 


mm 


Mfeditemweau, 
nder  the  very 
hiladelphia,  he 
ig  the  firft  lieu- 
ivery  A^iiericau 
riliiant  adiieve- 
wrhich  it  is  diffi- 
ise,  the  desper> 
d,  or  the  match- 
li  it  w»s  exeeu- 
sared  with  dis- 
rviees  wwe  not 
kis  own  country^ 
eWorld.    They 
w  Navy,  which 
ti  eclipsingy  has 


^eii|ieleft|iothing 
lOiis  performance 


•esept  wax  foutt4 
1  o^  the  Hornet^ 
uadroia  under  tilie 
leer,  Commodore 
m  unsiwe^ssfullyjr 
ice — or  sought  the 
ond  emise  he  was 
iidar   CooMBodor* 


Bainbridge.  After  his  tictorioas  eommander  had 
returaed  to  reap  the  weleome  rewards  of  hie  memo- 
rable battle,  Capt  Lawrknce  had  the  good  fortune 
to  meet  and  engage  his  Britannie  majesty's  ship 
Peaco^k» 

I  need  not  siy  how  nobly  he  won  the  victory. — 
The  story  has  reached  and  enlivened  every  fire-side 
of  the  country— it  has  been  the  theme,  the  delightful 
themei  alike  of  the  hoary  grandsare  and  the  lisping 
inHokt  With  a  celerity  of  execution  Bcnrcely  paral- 
leled in  tbe  annals  of  naval  warfare,  he  accomplished 
this  fer.famed  exploit,  and  placed  the  superiority  of 
oar  ^Miery,  in  precision  and  qukSknes^  beyond  the 
reactt  ef  doubt.  ^ 

A  dtt^y  nut  les»  worthy  «f  Mis  liberal  spfarit  remmn- 
ed,t6  save  his  felten  enemy  from  impending  death. 
The  twly  brave  are  always  humane— cruelty  is  the 
mean  attendant  of  jealousy  aud  fear,  or  the  more 
ferocious  associate  of  rapine  and  villdny.    With  a 
magnanimity  and  promptitude,  which  always  haJ 
disti%»ished,  and  1  trust  always  will  distinguish, 
the  eharacter  of  the  American  Navy,  Lawrence 
and  his  crew  fleW  to  the  suecour  of  the  sinking  Pea- 
cock- and  at  tbe  imminent  hazard  of  their  own 
lives,  sav«d  the  British  from  the  overwhelming^ 
waves.    The  brave  Capt.  Peake  was  wrapped  in 
his  own  flag,  and  eonsigned  to  an  honourable  se- 
pukhie  in  ^e  »lap  which  he  had  so  valiantly  d« 
fmded. 


IMiMiiil 


miiMuiiiwi 


mtBlni 


The  elevated  manner  in  which  Capt.  LawkbSC« 
behaved  towards  those  whom  tUc  fortune  of , war  had 
thus  thrown  into  his  power,  has  not  been  left  to 
American  panegyric.  It  drew  from  his  eneniies  a 
voluntary  tribute  of  gratitude,  and  they  expressively 
declared  that,  from  the  hour  of  conquest,  they  forgot 
that  they  were  prisoners. 

There  are,  who  value  the  laurels  of  conquest 
however  stained  with  the  blood  and  butchery  of 
innocence.    There  are,  who  pause  not  at  the  suffer- 
lags  of  the  wounded  and  the  dying— the  helpless 
and  the  unnrotected.    The  moment  of  triumph  is, 
to  them,  t^e  hour  of  boundless  exultation,  and  un^ 
manly  revel.    But  to  those,  whose  souls  have  felt 
tiie  delicacy  of  virtuous  honour,  the  humanity,  which 
bends  over  a  fallen  foe,  and  binds  his  wounds,  and 
sooths  his  departing  spirit,  is  more  ennobling  than 
all  the  splendours  of  victory. 

I  were  wrong  to  appropriate  to  Capt*  Lawrence 
this  exclusive  praise.-.-It  belongs,  and  I  speak  it 
with  the  exulting  pride  of  an  American,  it  belongs 
to  the  whole  Navy  of  my  country.    The  stars  ^nd 
the  stripes,  which  distinguish  our  flag,  are  not  more 
our  own,  than  that  profuse  and  generous  gallantly, 
which  sees  an  enemy  no  longer  than  a  hostile  banner 
waves  for  his  protection.    The  victories  over  the 
©uerriere,  the  Macedonian,  the  Java  and  the  Frolic, 
though  achieved  by  a  valour  and  skill,  which  ns 


^ngffWWHPirOVWP'VP 


wummi  I  wi  I,  inipi  1 )  nmmv-  ^  ..niiiii-»janiiiwpww»pi»»wf 


apt..LAWREtTC£ 
tune  of  .war  had 
not  been  left  to 
a  his  enemies  a 
hey  expressively 
^uest,  they  forgot 


• 

rels  of  conquest 
and  butchery  of 
not  at  the  suffer- 
ing— the  helpless 
>nt  of  triumph  is, 
Lultation,  and  ttD> 
le  souls  have  felt 
B  humanity,  vtrhicb 
)  his  wounds,  and 
tre  ennobling  than 


Capt<  La'wrence 
s,  and  I  speak  it 
leriean,  it  belongs 
ry.  The  stars  jand 
r  flag,  are  not  more 
generous  gallantry, 
an  a  hostile  banner 

victories  over  tht 
Pava  and  the  Frolic, 

id  skill,  which  bb 


40 

praise  can  sufficiently  extol,  covered  not  the  natiou 
with  more  glory,  than  the  lofty  and  magnanimous 
courtesy  of  the  conquerors.  It  gave  to  the  harsh- 
ness of  war  a  mild  and  touching  grace,  which  phi- 
losophy in  its  proudest  dreams,  had  scarcely  ven- 
tured to  pourtray. 

On  the  memorable  first  of  June,  Capt.  Lawrence 
commanded  the  Chesapeake.... On  this  mournful  oc 
casion  all  our  sorrows  flow  afresh.    There  breather, 
not,  there  cannot  breathe,  within  these  walls,  the 
man,  whose  soul  has  not  drunk  all  the  bitterness  of 
wo,  on  the  recollection  of  that  fatal  day.    We  saw 
the  heroes,  who  now  lie  before  us  in  the  deep  sleep 
of  death — ^we  saw  them  unfurl  the  sails  tc  the  swell- 
mg  breeze.    Thousands  crowded  ouy  shores,  with 
throbbing  hearts,  to  witness   the  expected  battle. 
The  signal  for  action  struck  our  ear8....1'he  declin- 
ing sun  shot  his  lajst  beams  athwart  the  ocean  to 
mark  the  scene  of  clouded  battle,  and  left  us  to  a 
night  of  agonising  suspense.    The  morrow  came, 
and  heavily  came,  with  the  tidings  of  overwhelming 
sorrow.    What  eyie  was  then  dry?  What  heart  vas 
then  cold?   What  lips  were  then  dumb?   Alas!  all 
that  our  ready  fears  foreboded,  these  shrouded  biers 
declare,  was  but  too  dreadfully  true. 

Yet  was  ihe  death  of  Lawrence  not  less  glorious 
than  his  life.  Over  vulgar  minde,  the  sunshine  of 
vici« .  J  throws  a  g^udy  lustre,  that  hides  every  de- 

7 


_,iitff 


mmim 


SO 

feet;  and  adversity  too  often  exaggerates  triling 
en-ors  and  exposes  to  unmerited  censure.  But  the 
brave  and  the  considerate,  know  well  how  to  dis- 
criminate  between  accidents,  against  which  no  hu- 
man  foresight  could  guard,  f.nd  rash  exploits  which 
no  discretion  could  authorise. 

*<  Let  others  hail  the  rising  »vh, 
"  I  bow  to  that,  whose  race  is  run." 


Without  doubt  the  combat  was  fought  on  unequal 
terms. — All  the  advantages  of  perfect  preparation, 
and  veteran  discipline,  were  on  the  side  of  the 
British.     But  Lawrence  could   not   hesitate — he 
could  make  no  compromise  with  his  own  heroic 
feelings.    He  felt  the  honour  of  his  country  com- 
mitted to  his  charge,  and  he  w»s  incapable  of  be- 
traying it.    He  was  willing  to  yield  up  his  life, 
but  he  could  not  endure  to  hold  it  in  dishonour.    A 
spirit  of  exalted  chivalry  urged  him  on  to  battle.  He 
nobly  maintained  it,  and  with  his  dying  declaratiDn, 
"never  give  up  the  ship— the  flag  shall  wave,  while 
«I  live"— he  sealed  the  immortality  of  bis  own 
fame.    The  victory  was  not  ours— but  *re  lost  noth- 
ing, save  the  victory  and  the  heroes  who  fell.    The 
honour  of  our  flag  remains  untarnished— it  was  res- 
cued,  and  redeemed  by  the  blood  of  Broome  and 
Ballard  and  White  and  Ludlow  and  Lawrence 
and  their  brave  companions.  The  first  Captwn,  who 
ever  fell  in  the  service,  fell  in  defence  of  the  flag  on 


m)nnwjiifwn«»— iw^WMpi 


•?*«ri!f«wwW"W 


mwq^i 


;erate8  trifling 
sure.  But  th« 
ii  how  to  difl- 
i  which  no  hu. 
exploits  which 


un. 


»» 


ight  on  unequal 
set  preparation^ 
be  side  of  the 
)t   hesitate-— he 
bis  own  heroic 
s  country  com- 
ncapable  of  be- 
Jd  up  his  life, 
1  dishonour.    A 
on  to  battle.  He 
ring  declaration) 
ball  wave,  while 
lity  of  his  own 
but  Ifire  lost  noth- 
i  who  fell.    The 
bed — it  was  res- 
of  Broome  and 
r  and  Lawrence 
brst  Captwn,  who 
ace  of  the  11145  on 


51 

this  bloody  day.  His  example  shall  fire  every  fu- 
ture naval  hero,  and  teach  the  world  that  Americans 
yield  to  none  in  consummate  valour  and  dauntless 
devotion  to  their  country. 

"What  pity  ti«,  that  we  can  die  but  once 
To  serve  our  country. 

I  forbear  to  dwell  further  on  this  interesting  and 
DM'laucholy  scene— the  last  burst  of  glory,  that  illu- 
miiiated  the  path  of  Lawrence.     Scarcely  have  I 
been  able  to  bring  my  own  mind  to  touch  the  afBict- 
ive  subjects    The  tears,  that  have  mingled  with  our 
prayers,  and  our  praises,  at  the  altar,  and  at  the 
eapitol,  have  not  yet  assuaged  the  agonies  of  our 
g.ief.   Yet  shall  the  hour  come,  when  thew  tears 
shall  no  longer  flow;    when  a  glowing  emulation 
and  gathered  zef  \  shall  chase  away  the  gjoom,  and 
the  fall  of  the  Chesapeake  shall  be  recollected  o^ly 
with  emotions  of  admiration  and  gratitude— admi- 
raUon  for  the  deeds,   and  gratitude  for  the  self  de. 
votion  of  c'\r  countrymen. 

Bomething  would  I  say  on  the  character  of  Law- 
rence, a  character  as  blameless  as  his  life  waa 
honourable.  Nature  had  given  him  commanding 
powers  of  mind— a  spirit,  which  was  never  daunt, 
edby  danger  nor  subdued  by  difficulties — afirm««ss, 
which  rose  with  the  perils  of  the  emergency— and 
a  coolness,  which  in  the  hour  of  battle  diffused  a 
sacred  tranquility  around  him.    Frank  and  gener- 


MMHMbWiW*  L4i(iiia»iiw*w^ 


mmtumm 


08 

0118  in  hii  temper,  uffable  and  condescending  in  his 
manners,  he  was  scarcely  more  respected  than  be- 
loved.     He  won  his  way  to  the  heart  by  that  steely 
and  gentle  propriety— that  masculine  yet  temperate 
deportment^that  modest  but  irresistible  urbanity— 
which  all  know  how  to  admire,  but  few  can  hope 
to  imitate.    Perhaps  no  man  ever  more  fully  pos- 
sessed  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  all  under  his 
command.    Though  he  exacted  the  rigour  of  dis- 
cipline,  yet  the  manner  conciUated,  while  it  enfor- 
ced  obe^ence. 

In  the  more  retired  walks  of  private  life— in  the 
scenes  of  domestic  quiet,  his  warm  and  liberal  heart 
expanded  with  every  social  feeling,  and  delighted 
to  pay  the  voluntary  4iom*6o  of  friendship. 

I  will  not  approach  the  sanctuary  of  his  home. 
Sorrow  has  there  but  just  told  its  fatal  tale.  The 
aflccttonate  mother  and  orphan  children,  no  longer 
dwell  in  the  security  of  imagined  happiness.  The 
visions,  the  blissful  visions  of  hope,  have  passed 
away,  and  deep  unutterable  agony  has  harrowed  the 
soul  of  her,  whose  love  was  the  first  pride  and  con- 
solation of  the  Hero.  May  the  country,  which  the 
father  died  to  defend,  receive  and  cherish  in  its  own 
bosom  his  lovely  and  interesting  offspring ! 

I  will  not  say  that  Capt.  Lawrence  was  the  mpst 
intelligent  and  consummate  of  officers.    It  would  be 


■^•■FliiwnVMIMKKNPI 


""111 


ending  in  hit 
Bted  than  be- 
)y  that  sten  fly 
yet  temperate 
le  urbanity — 
few  can  hope 
ore  fully  po8- 
all  under  his 
rigour  of  dis- 
irhile  it  enfor- 


te  life — in  the 
nd  liberal  heart 
and  delighted 
idship. 

f  of  his  home, 
ital  tale.  The 
Iren,  no  longer 
ippiness.  The 
e^  have  passed 
as  harrowed  the 
t  pride  and  eon- 
ntry,  which  the 
erish  in  its  own 
ipringi 

CE  was  the  most 
8.    It  would  be 


08 

doing  injuitiee  to  mary  brave  and  accomplished  gen- 
tlemen who  adorn  v  u«  navy.  Where  all,  who  have 
had  an  opportunity,  have  distinguished  themselves 
by  equal  p.'owess  and  skill,  it  were  invidious  to  claim 
superior  excellence  for  the  dead.  No,  the  fame  of 
Oapt.  Lawrence,  as  an  ofllcer,  rests  on  the  same 
immoveable  foundation,  which  supports  that  of  his 
compatriots,  who  have  fought  with  success — and, 
thanks  be  to  God,  yet  live  to  repose  on  the  laurels 
of  victory. 

Kor  can  we  forget  the  gay,  the  gallant  and  noble 
hearted  Ludlow.  Though  the  history  of  his  life 
be  short,  yet  it  can  never  be  uninteresting  to  those, 
whose  hearts  beat  high  with  the  love  of  their  coun- 
try. He  was  the  son  of  Robert  Ludlow,  Esq.  and 
born  at  Newburgh,  in  the  state  of  New- York.  In 
the  year  ISM,  he  entered  the  navy  of  the  U.  S.  as 
a  midshipman,  and  in  the  summer  of  the  same  year 
he  sailed  for  the  Mediterranean,  on  board  the  Pres- 
ident,  then  bearing  the  pendant  of  Tommodore 
Samuel  Barron.  He  continued  there  until  the  year 
1807,  when  our  naval  force  being  ordered  home,  he 
returned  in  the  Constitution,  then  commanded  by 
Capt.  Campbell.  He  remained  in  the  same  Mgate 
under  Commodore  Rogers,  until  he  was  promoted 
to  a  Lieutenancy,  and  then  served  on  board  of 
the  Hornet.  His  exemplary  conduct  aud  strict 
sense  of  honour  while  ;7et  a  midshipman,  gave  him 
a  deserved  preference  among  th?  officers,  and  he  was 


111.1   I  liwiiBWaiifc* — 


•4«l» 


generally  dUt«s«bhed  by  «>««  mark  of  favour, 
*^  !       r.ntain'.  aid.     He  had  aerved  a  King  Ume 

Oheaapeake. 

Uk.  ft.  Miming  Kury.lu.  h.  «comp«.  «1  U"  ^^ 
toed  commander  .0  b.Ul..  >«ver  could  .t  b.« 
been  more  truly  »«i<l— 

Hit  MM  «."  F.riKrq««  i»  Wl'«  '••'»•'•• 

H.  WM  Meed  worthy  of  the  conddenc.  .nd  friend- 
S!pofI-*>«.»a^  Hi.  ..ulwM  formed  for  d«^ 
of  .etive  ™l«up  .na  n.arti.1  .nlcrpri«.  to  the  m\A 
eogagemenU  of  pe.«=,  it  «.ftened  int.  ft.  mo.  -■ 
Se  .«»vity  of  manner.,  and  wore  the  »o.t  b^ 
X^i  form  of  honour,    to  the  tumnU,  of  «u,  . 

„S  eleeteri^ed  every  movement  «.d  .wJ..n«l 
ft.  whole  energiee  of  hi.  genioe. 

H«l  he  lived,  hi.  name  would  have  atWned  to 
^  bUtoric  elevaUon  a.  tl».»  of  our  tot  e.m-». 
^b.  Van  Tromp'.  M.d  th.  N->l«.n'.  «f  to 
Z.  cut  off  in  the  hlo«om  of  >^/»J«' ''!»'!*^' 
;^U  pace,  of  y«.th  yet  elu-tered  round  h»  form, 


,inpiii|iii  ■iinii     iimnwif  I  I   ii'iif' 


mmm 


mmmmfrnmrntl^* 


lark  of  favour, 
ired  a  King  time 
aciMsrfectknow- 
aced  him  to  con- 
aeutenantin  the 


in  of  age,  when 
ompanied  liit  be- 
er could  it  have 


uebant.* 

Idence  and  friend- 
B  formed  for  deed» 
irisc.  In  the  mild 
L  into  the  most  at- 
wore  the  moat  be- 
tumults  of  war,  it 
naval  excellence, 
lent  and  awakened 


1  have  attained  the 
of  our  first  comman- 
he  Nelson's  of  the 
his  days,  while  the 
lered  found  his  form, 


"1 


he  has  left  ns  to  pour  our  unavailing  sorrows  to  his 
memory — 

Hit  aaltem  aeeunulem  donit  et  fungar  inani 
Munere.  . 

Peace  be  to  the  spirits  of  the  mighty  dead— they 
fell  covered  with  honourable  wounds  in  the  cause  of 
their  country.  What  death  could  be  more  truly  en- 
viable?  What  death  could  be  more  truly  exalted? 
The  grriitude  of  millions  has  already  consecrated 
their  memories....The  poetry  and  the  eloquence  of 
future  ages  shall  celebrate  their  deeds,  and  hymn 
their  requiems. 

While,  therefore,  we  pay  our  last  lingering  fare- 
well to  these  hallowed  remains,  we  mourn  not  as 
those  without  hope.  The  bodies  of  these  heroes 
may  moulder  away,  and  become  indistinguishable 
from  the  common  mass  of  mortality;  but  their  spir- 
its, we  trast,  shall  repose  in  the  bosom  of  heaven; 
and  their  fame,  their  spotless  fame,  shall  perish  but 
with  the  country  of  their  birth,  in  that  dread  day 
when 

The  eloud  eapt  towen,  the  gorgeous  palaces, 
The  solemn  temple,  the  great  globe  itself  | 
Yea,  all  which  it  inhabit,  shall  dissolve: 
And,  like  the  baseless  fkbrie  of  a  rision, 
Leave  not  a  wreek  behind  them. 


[»»d  to  war. 


mmm 


MP" 


I  l-BWIJUi  "11^ 


J7 


OBITUARY  AND  POETICAL  NOTICES 


t  Am,  k^fno'ieta  of  tkt  QlHetf  of  the  Ckfttticakty  tlain  in  the    , 

U*  «|S!    Though  they  eo^«y  but  little  ifs/^atUm,  ^h 
r^t^Tthe  Hv,:^JheM,n  heroe.,  tHeyjre  fir»ervedto 
oSTthe  e,timatU,n  in  which  their  charcter,  ^ereheld,  by  thoee  , 
who  btot  knew  them. 


Dmo  «t  ttrilfitxtoo  thel3thof  June,  Ueutenwit  Avo«rro«  C. 
l^Viiw  -wSTto  command  on  bowd  the  CheMOetke  Fngate, 
At  iTrfXwo^N  receW^  in  the  .cUon  wllTuie  Shannon. 
£Ji;2rwrrelmUa.withe,erym«kofmiHtt^^^^ 
iao^M^tL  generou.  enemy  could  bestow  on  a  gallant  youth, 
who  ftU  in  dofending  Ma  countiy'a  Bog. 

^  Bleitt  youth,  regardful  of  thy  doom, 
Aerial  haqda  ahaU  build  thy  tomb, 

With  shadowy  trophiea  crown'd  > 
Whilat  Honour,  bathed  in  tears,  shall  rave, 

To  sigh  thy  name  through  every  gra^»» 
And  call  his  heroes  round. 

The  warttke  dead  of  every  age, 
Who  ill  the  ftdr  recordfaiff  page, 

MHdl  leave  their  aalnted  rest  t 
Jbi4,  Imlf  reclfadng  on  hb  spear, 
m^  wondling  chief  by  turns  appear, 

To  haU  the  btoomlng  gttf  :t. 


Ir  by  age  or  Infirmky,  a  period  b  pot  to  the  existence  of  owr 
reladvea  or  friends,  we  reomclle  ourselves  to  their  lose,  in  re- 
flecdng  on  the  pidn  they  might  have  sufibred ;  tb«  few  years 
they  could  have  Bved;  and  by  fondly  cherifhing  the  hope  of 
thdr  having  exchanged  a  world  of  care  and  anxiety,  for  a  bless* 
ed  state  of  UnmortaUty !  But  when  our  most  promising  yoi  ng 
men,  whose  characters  ere  unblemished,  and  whose  expanding 
knowledge  becomes  useful  to  their  country,  are  cut  down  in  the 


bloom  of  life,  at  a  time  when  the  attention  of  all  is  placed  oa 
their  future  services — it  becomes  a  public  loss,  and  tlie  tears  of 
thousands  are  shed  for  their  untimely  fate. 

In  the  death  of  Lieut.  Edward  J.Ballahd,  who  fell  with  many 
of  his  brave  companions  on  board  the  frigate  Chesapeake,  soci- 
ety has  lost  a  bright  ornament,  his  friends,  an  affectionate  and 
beloved  companion,  and  his  country,  a  brave  and  valuable  officer. 
Anxious  to  render  himself  useful,  and  to  share  in  the  glory  ac- 
quired by  our  Naval  heroes,  he  left  (though  scarcely  recovered 
from  an  indisposition  of  several  months)  the  peaceful  asylum  of 
friendship,'  for  his  home  upon  the  ocean,  and  termintted,  with 
honour,  a  well  spent  life  of  virtue.       • 


Lieutenant  James  M.  Bhoomb,  commanding  the  marines  on 
board  the  frigate  Chesapeake,  who  was  slain  in  the  late  desper- 
ate naval  combat,  was  a  native  of  the  State  of  New-Jersey.  He 
had  been  several  years  in  the  service  of  his  country  ;  and  among 
the  gallant  heroes  who  have  fallen  in  the  present  contest,  his 
name  will  stand  recorded  among  the  bravest  of  the  brave.  Na- 
ture implanted  in  his  bosom  all  those  social  and  liberal  feelings 
"which  endear  man  to  his  fellow-men ;  and  in  the  circles  of 
{Viendship  which  included  Bsoomv,  his  cheerfulness  of  disposi- 
tion and  nobleness  of  soul,  commanded  sentiments  of  affection, 
which  will  long  be  fondly  cherished.  The  record  of  destruction 
which  the  late  ill-fated  engagement  has  produced,  affords  suffi- 
cient evidence  of  the  influence  of  his  heroism  during  its  contin- 
uance. Of  forty-four  marines  under  his  command,  twelve  were 
killed,  and  twenty  wounded — about  three  quarters  of  the  de- 
tachment ;  a  carnage  perhaps  unparallelled  in  naval  history.— 
When  such  a  man  perishes,  the  pang  of  sorrow  must  long  be 
felt  even  by  those  whose  acquaintance  with  him  was  ^nly  tran- 
sient ;  and  sympathy  must  be  excited  for  those  towards  whom 
his  fratertial  solicitude  was  mingled  with  his  adieus  to  tht 
friends  who  shared  some  of  the  last  hours  he  s[.«snt  in  this  place. 

For  ever  green,  the  laurel  o'er  thy  tomb 

Shall  flourish ;  ever  white  its  flowery  bloom ;     . 

And  beauty  oft  shall  weep  before  thy  shrine, 

And  friendship  heave  the  sigh,  and  thy  fair  wreath  entwine. 


DiKD  on  board  the  Frigate  Chesapeake,  William  Augustus 
White,  EA.  26,  Suiliiig-Master,  a  native  of  Rutland,  Massachu- 
setts.   Noble  and  generous,  his  heart  was  open  and  uncere— 


— ■«iM"'iW"P'W"''Pi'''>Wiy**l'WW"'«"'.'"i  '■'   iii>nii|]»«iD,niii  I  iii»ppn»iiiiM,iiii<<>yw»wip!ywww;y*''<»i'»iwi 


of  all  is  placed  <m 
lost,  and  tlie  tears  of 

D,who  fell  with  many 
le  Chesapeake,  soci< 
an  afiectionate  and 
2  and  valuable  officer, 
hare  in  the  glory  ac- 
;h  scarcely  recovered 
te  peaceful  asylum  of 
and  terminated,  with 


nding  the  marines  on 
ain  in  the  late  desper- 
B  of  New-Jersey.    He 
is  country ;  and  among 
le  present  contest)  his 
rest  of  the  brave.    Na- 
[ial  and  liberal  feelings 
and  in  the  circles  of 
cheerfulness  of  disposi- 
sentiments  of  affection, 
le  record  of  destruction 
produced,  affords  suffi- 
•oism  during  its  contin- 
command,  twelve  were 
■ec  quarters  of  the  de« 
elled  in  naval  history.— 
>f  sorrow  must  long  be 
vith  him  was  ^nly  tran- 
for  those  towards  whom 
vitli  his  adieus  to  th« 
rs  he  si«<int  in  this  place. 

imb 

bloom ; 
shrine, 
y  fair  wreath  entwine. 


LC,  William  Augustus 
e  of  Rutland,  Massachu- 
was  open  and  sincere— 


5» 

every  qualiflcation  seems  to  have  been  united  in  him,  that  would 
•ndcar  him  to  his  friends,  or  sharpen  the  poignancy  of  their  grief 
at  his  loss— determined  and  resolute,  he  was  eminently  calcu- 
lated for  the  station  he  held.  Possessing  an  ardent  attachment 
to  his  country,  he  early  embarked  in  her  cause,  and  has  finally 
sacrificed  a  valuable  life.  He  had  the  glory  of  sliaring  in  the 
fate  of  the  unfortunate  Lawrence,  in  the  first  broadside  received 
from  the  Shennon,in  which  that  brave  commander  was  woutidcd— 
he  fell,  and  his  country  lost  ^  promising  officer;  his  acquaint- 
ance, a  sincere  and  an  affectionate  friend. 

Why  weep  for  him,  who  nobly  dared  to  brave 
His  country's  foe,  upon  the  "  mountain  wave  :" 
Who  bled  where  heroes  diedy  and  freemen  slain, 
Ting'd  with  their  blood,  the  broad  extended  main  ? 
An  honor'd  death  is  valor's  rich  reward,— 
The  praise  of  man,  and  the  applause  of  God. 

•  Columbia's  page  in  gen'rous  strain  shall  tell, 
Those  deeds  of  courage  where  her  Lawrence  fell : 
Honor  shall  gild  the  Hero's  spotless  shrine, 
And  thine,  O  White  !  with  kindred  lustre  shine. 

No  more  lei  friendship  mourn— nor  swelling  sigh 
Bedew  with  tears  a  brother  patriot's  eye ; 
Nor  fond  remembrance  tear  the  anguish'd  breast, 
With  private  virtues  which  his  mind  possest : 
His  spirit  's  fled— but  still  his  deathless  name 
Has  set  in  olory,  and  shall  live  in  fame. 


tm  closing  the  catalogue  of  deaths,  the  name  of  Page  should 
not  be  omitted,  though  not  among  those  who  perished  on  the 
hostile  deck.  The  loss  of  this  valuable  officer  previous  to  the 
sailing  of  the  Chesapeake,  was  a  disaster  deeply  deplored. 

OcTAvius  Augustus  Page,  Esq.  son  of  the  late  Governour 
f  age  of  Virginia,  one  of  the  oldest  lieutenants  in  the  navy  of 
the  United  States,  and  first  vf  the  Chesapeake,  died  in  Boston, 
June  4th,  1813.  This  gentleman  is  deeply  lamented  as  a  brave 
and  skilful  officer.  Capt.  Lawrence  deplored  the  necessity  of 
proceeding  to  sea  without  him ;  and  Lieut.  Pagl,  during  his 
illness,  seemed  to  forget  his  own  sufferings  in  regret  of  his  ina- 
bility to  rejoin  his  ship,  and  in  anxiety  for  the  fate  of  his  gallant 
companions  in  arms.  His  remains  were  interred  on  the  following 
day  with  military  honours.  Thejr  were  attended  to  the  tomb 
by  the  naval  and  military  pffivers  in  town,  and  a  large  concourse 
tf  private  citizens.  .* 


1 


: 


60 


^nd  Uiere 


TO  TH«  MEMORY  0» 

LIEUTENANT  AUGUSTUS  C.  LUDLOW- 
From  the  NaJioMl  IntdBgWHjer. 

Th»  battle's  ceas'd  r^^  J^'"'''' Z^!  ' 
The  cannon's  voice  is  heard  no  more , 
A  solemn  silence  reigns  around, 
Save  but  the  dying's  awful  sound. 
Pale  ev'ning  sheds  her  silent  gloom- 
It  vrakes  for  many  to  the  ton*. 
The  moon  is  seen  in  baleful  bght, 

To  hover  near  the  bloody  sight , 
Well  may  it  linger  o'er  the  «leep. 
For  worth  and  vajpr  there  do  stee,. . 
Brave  Lawrence  fell !  wd  Whue  .- 

Brave  Ludlow  found  an|  early  »»«'• 
Wal  was  his  Heart  iXith^etagfi.'d, 

With  manly  love  and  worth  mspii'd; 
In  manners  and  affectton  free. 
Nor  bold,  but  mark'd  with  modesty. 
In  peace  the  warmest  fnend,  in  wu- 
wSbold !  In  danger, foremost  there . 
Such  from  earliest  days  was  Be, 
Warm  good,  affectionate  a"*  free. 
I  knew  him  well,  his  loss  deplore, 
Whose  reign  of  glory  now  is  o  cr 
Ludlow !  still  to  memory  true, 
ReflecUon'B  hour  shall  turn  to  you . 
Shall  dwell  upon  our  early  years. 
When  boyhood  pictur-d  hopes  and  fear* ; 
When  oft'  we  rang'd  the  meadows  o  er, 
Delighted  ga»'d  at  Nature's  pow*!-- 
Scaim'd  the  rude  tree-*he  lovely  flow  f. 
And  more  deUghted  haU'd  each  hour- 
Or,  when  we  swam  the  vemalBooo, 
Or  on  the  margin,  rousing,  stood— 
Or  spake  of  some  Wd  maid-whos*  heart 
The  noblest  feelings  could  impart— 
Or  dwelt  upon  some  tale  of  woe,  ^ 
That  caus'd  our  youthful  tears  to  flow— 
Or  toim'd  to  idle  ficdon's  )af— 
AnHither  praise  or  censure  i>ay. 
Thus  have  we  pass'd  life's  vaned  day : 
Cheerless  and  hopeful,  sad  and  gay. 
Vriend  of  my  soul !  these  scenes  are  o  er. 
And  we  shall  meet  on  earth  no  more. 
But  when  that  hour,  decreed  by  »te, 
Shall  call  me  to  a  future  state, 


jOJAIjU^,-.!"'*^ 


ny'*ifi^V!>\W-  iK'^*»iW 


)LOW. 
er; 

Si 


-  ^nd  uiere 
d; 

erel 


IfiMrt; 
%  o'er, 
'p— 
'  flow'f, 

lOUP— 

od, 

hose  heart 

■t— 

I 

•  flow— 


dday: 

are  o'er, 

nore. 

fete, 


United  we  again  shall  be, 
And  own  more  pure  felicity. 
Until  that  hour,  lov'd  friend,  adieu  I 
Thy  virtues  great  U-thy  faults  were  few. 


LINES 

Oceatimed  by  the  arrival  t\fthe  remama  <ifLAW*Bses  and 
LvDLOWy  at  Salem. 

RELICS  of  the  fallen  brave ! 

Tenants  of  an  honor'd  tomb ! 
Conscious  pride  exalts  the  wave 

Whose  swelUng  bosom  bears  you  home. 

Ocean  hula  you,  gallant  souls ! 

Now  once  more  his  realm  you  cross ; 
^d  each  billow  as  it  rolls, 

Moans  an  anthem  for  your  loss. 

Glory's  halo  Unds  your  brows. 

Immortality's  your  shroud, 
While  our  love,  like  zephyr,  blows 

From  your  disk  of  fame,  each  cloud. 

Adoration  warms  the  cla^ 

That  was  cold  on  foreign  Wen— 
Our  best  sacrifice  we  pay, 

'Tis  the  alent,  grief-swol'n  tear. 

Sons  of  Glory !  Mighty  Dead ! 

Welcome  to  your  parent  land ; 
Softly  here  shall  rest  your  head, 

Pillow'd  by  your  brothers'  hand. 

Lawrence!  Lwolow  !  Sons  of  Fame! 
Here  shall  rise  the  s(,ulptur'd  stone. 

"Noble  IS  THE  HEBO'S  KAME, 

•<  GlORT  claims  it  AS  HBB  OWH  ! 


TRraUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OP  THE  BRWE.  THOUGH  SUC 

CBS8LB88  DBPBNDBIW  OP  THE  UHITED  STATES 

FBIGATE  CHESAPEAKE. 

I  SAW— and  gentle  wtt  touch'd  the  lyre^—      ^ 
Oh  I  'twas  a  sound 
That  breath'd  no  nunstrel's  ardent  fire, 
But  rang  with  ^untive  witch'ry  round, 
Ai^  chaiird  the  soul. 
Half  willing,  half  reluctant,  in  its  soft  control. 


Mi 


She  moum'd  the  dark,  the  dreary  hour,^ 
When  freemen  bow'd  to  Albiom  »  i»w  r ; 
When  young  Columbia's  standard  droop  d, 
And  from  his  height  her  eagle  stoop'd ; 
When  stain'd  with  crimson  of  deeper  dye, 
The  red-cross  banner  of  Geobob  wav  d  high. 

She  sang  the  Sra-boy,  gay  and  brave. 
Now  pillow'd  by  the  dark-gretr  wave, 
Wliere  greets  the  ear  the  bittern's  sound, 
And  the  young  dolphin  spirts  around. 
With  glist'ning  eye,  in  numbers  low, 
She  dwell  upon  the  mother's  woe, 
The  ruin  of  the  father's  joy. 
Deep  buried  with  his  gallant  boy. 

•And  now  of  the  rough-visag'd  Sailor  she  sang, 

Who  swift  to  the  carnage  impatiently  sprang. 

And  rush'd  where  the  death^ealing  cIar,gor  loud  rang, 

To  fall  by  the  arm  of  the  foe : 
On  her  cheek  stood  a  tear  for  the  Sailor's  poor  Bess: 
Who  now  the  sad  victim  of  widow'd  distress. 
No  more  springs  to  meet  a  lov'd  husband  s  caress, 

But  in  solitude  murmurs  her  woe. 

Now  while  she  moum'd  the  orphan's  half-felt  woes, 
The  anguish  of  «.'ie  wido^-parent's  breast, 
Expression  fail'd— -the  tear  alone 
Her  8i;'>;'.iiig  sympathy  made  known  ; 
No  more  the  trembling  numbers  roscr- 
Low  on  the  lyre  her  head  sunk  down  opprest. 

In  sorrow  lost,  awhile  she  paus'd  and  wept. 
Then  faint  .md  low  again  the  harp-strings  swept: 
Slowly  her  trembling  fingers  mov  d, 

To  Heav'n  her  eye  was  turn  d. 
The  theme  was  LAWRENCE,  chief  belov  d, 
Erst  in  the  victor's  land  inum'd. 

Hard,  hard  and  heavy  was  the  blow 
That  laid  Columbia's  fav'rite  low ; 
-     No  kindred  soul,  no  tender  wife  was  by, 

To  smooth  his  couch,  and  watch  his  flagging  eye. 
The  hero's  pillow  the  foeman  stood  nsar. 
And  honor'd  valor  with  valor's  pure  tear ; 
The  foeman's  heart  that  in  battle  beat  high. 
To  softness  moulded,  now  breath'd  the  warm  sigh ; 
And  when  the  eye  that  flash'd  vengeanue  in  fight, 
Had  aunk  forever  in  death's  murky  night ; 


our, 
Ijow'r ; 
droop'd, 

p'di 
re, 
high. 

ve, 
ive, 
sound, 
nd.  . 


she  sang, 
sprang, 

uigor  loud  rang) 
if  the  foe : 
)r'8  poor  Be88: 
stress, 
nd's  caress, 
murs  her  woe. 

lalf-felt  woes, 

sast, 

wn; 

roscr— 

>ppreBt. 

wept, 

ngs  swept : 

r'd, 

chief  belov'd, 
i. 

ow 
w; 

shy,   _ 

8  flagging  eye. 
ear, 
tear ; 
high, 

e  warm  sigh ; 
nee  in  fight, 
ight; 


48 

When  f^Tand  pallid  was  8tretch*d»th   brave  form, 
That  iiafovr  in  war  like  the  oak  mid  the  storm,  " 

The  foeman's  sod  was  1p'.*  u'tr  his  cold  breast. 
The  foeman's  verse  was  the  requiem  of  rest : 
The  vict'ry  won,  the  tough  conflict  was  o'er. 
And  foes  in  battle  were  foemcn  no  more. 

Then  Fame  arose  with  soul  of  fire. 
And  throwing  by  the  modest  lyre. 
His  fav'rite  clarion  seiz'd  in  pride : — 

The  stirring  sound 

Re-echo'd  round  ; 

He  sang  the  Brave, 

Who  stain'd  the  wave, 
And  in  the  sacred  cause  of  country  died. 

And  these,  my  fav'rite  sons,  he  cried. 

Shall  ever  live,  Columbia's  pride  ; 
The  names  of  Lawrence,  Ludlow,  Ballard,  Whitk, 
And  those  around  who  sunk  in  Death's  dark  night, 
Compeers  in  arms,  co-victims  of  the  fight, 

Shall  blazen  Glory's  deathless  scroll. 
The  future  champion  of  his  country's  cause, 

Shall  turn  th'  historic  page. 
Where  live  the  ti*iumphs  of  this  elder  age. 
There  on  the  record  of  achievements  pause, 
And  feed  the  native  ardour  of  his  soul. 

Fav'rites  of  Glory  !  ye  whose  stripling  force. 

Hath  maim'd  the  giant  in  his  mighty  course. 

Ye,  at  whose  thunders  Mbion'a  vet'rans  bow, 

And  ocean's  •'  Queen,"  with  cypress  binds  her  brow, 

For  you  the  laurel  wreath  shall  ever  bloom. 

And  scatter  fragrance  on  the  noiseless  tomb. 

What  though  in  strength  Britannia's  barks  shall  ride. 

And  strew  your  pigmy  force  o'er  ev'ry  tide  ? 

What  though  this  realm  in  one  vast  ruin  lie  i 

Columbia's  naval  deeds  shall  never  die. 

The  elder  world  shall  own  the  record  true, 

That  shews  her  glories  scatter'd  by  the  new. 

Gallia  can  vouch,  for  Gallia  felt  the  blow,  ^ 

That  bade  her  triple-tinted  flag  lie  low ; 

The  turban'd  infidel  can  tell  a  tale, 

That  turns  his  visage,  as  his  crescent  pale ; 

And  Albioriy  haughty  Mbton  must  confess, 

"  The  greater  glory  now  hath  dim'd  the  less."    ' 

Mid  scenes  of  shame,  of  sorrow  and  defeat. 
Here  may  the  Patriot's  heart  still  proudly  beat ; 


•WT- 


Like  meteor.fladM»  |n  the  clood-JiUM  idglit»    a  . 
Surrounding  gloom  but  sheweach  deed  inore  bngnt. 
In  after-timet  their  nunei  111111  be  renown  d, 
Long  to  their  praise  the  goblet  thall  go  roundi 
Who  aim'd  at  ocean-pride  the  vengeful  blow, 
And  l«dd  the  honora  of  old  JlUmt  low ; 
Loud  wake  the  echoes  round  her  rockjr  ahore, 

««Th«  CUkWM  IKVmOWILITT— IS  o'»».' 

Now  like  the  phantom  of  the  Mck  man  a  dream, 
Or  early  mist  that  fliea  the  morning  beam, 
Her  boasted  glow  swiftly  fades  away, 
And  %esteralanda  receive  the  bnlhant  ray. 


^fT'^  '-'"-f'iiir: 


1  mora  bnght 
irn'd, 
roundi 
blowt 

shore, 
•> 

•  dream) 
im, 

raf. 


